A recent study published in The Lancet medical journal predicts that nearly 60% of adults worldwide will be overweight or obese by 2050. The number of overweight or obese individuals has risen substantially, from 929 million in 1990 to 2.6 billion in 2021.
A new study warns that nearly 60% of adults and a third of children worldwide will face serious health risks due to rising obesity rates in 2050. Researchers estimate that 3.8 billion adults will be affected if action is not taken.
The study, published in The Lancet, analyzed health data from 204 countries. It found that the number of overweight or obese individuals increased from 929 million in 1990 to 2.6 billion in 2021. Experts call this trend one of the biggest health concerns of the century.
The report predicts a sharp increase in obesity among children and young people. Moreover, the cases are expected to rise by 121% by 2050. A significant portion of these cases will be concentrated in North Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Health systems worldwide will struggle to handle the impact, as nearly a quarter of obese individuals in 2050 will be over 65 years old. This will put a strain on medical resources, especially in countries with limited healthcare access.
The study emphasizes that policy changes can still make a difference. Jessica Kerr from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute stresses the need for better diets, improved physical activity, and healthier living environments. She highlights the role of governments in promoting balanced nutrition and making healthier food options more accessible.
Obesity: Growing Worldwide Issue
Currently, more than half of the world’s overweight or obese adults live in just eight countries. China, India, the United States, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia, and Egypt. Researchers point to unhealthy diets and inactive lifestyles as major contributors to this global crisis.
Thorkild Sorensen from the University of Copenhagen notes that obesity rates are higher among socially disadvantaged groups. However, the exact reasons behind this trend remain unclear.
A separate report from the World Obesity Federation highlights the increasing impact of obesity in lower-income countries. By 2035, 79% of overweight adults and 88% of affected children will be in low- and middle-income nations. Many of these countries lack adequate healthcare systems to address this issue effectively.
Experts urge governments to take stronger measures to improve public health. Encouraging balanced diets, increasing access to recreational spaces, and regulating the availability of processed foods could help slow down this growing crisis.