A new study published in The Lancet medical journal on World Obesity Day has revealed that almost 60 per cent of adults and a third of children worldwide are projected to be overweight or obese by 2050 if no action is taken by governments. The study, conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, used data from 204 countries to show the alarming increase in the number of overweight or obese individuals from 929 million in 1990 to 2.6 billion in 2021.
Lead author Emmanuela Gakidou describes the global epidemic of overweight and obesity as a profound tragedy and a monumental societal failure. Without significant changes, the researchers estimate that 3.8 billion adults will be overweight or obese by 2050, representing around 60 per cent of the global adult population.
Study co-author Jessica Kerr emphasizes the need for stronger political commitment to address this issue and transform diets within sustainable global food systems. The findings highlight the urgent need for governments to prioritize interventions that promote healthier diets, increased physical activity, and greater awareness of the health risks associated with being overweight or obese.
Failure to address the rising rates of overweight and obesity could have serious consequences for public health and place a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide. The study’s authors are calling for immediate action to prevent further escalation of this growing global health crisis.
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