A new study published in The Lancet warns that more than half of the world’s adults and a third of children, teenagers, and young adults could be overweight or obese by 2050. With obesity rates accelerating, particularly in lower-income countries, experts are calling for urgent intervention to prevent what they describe as a “profound tragedy.”
Rising Obesity Rates Across the Globe
By 2021, nearly half of the global adult population—over 2 billion people—were already overweight or obese. The proportion has doubled since 1990, and if trends continue, obesity rates among adults could climb to 57.4% for men and 60.3% for women by mid-century.
Countries with the largest projected overweight and obese populations include:
- China: 627 million
- India: 450 million
- United States: 214 million
Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to see the most dramatic increase, with the number of overweight adults rising by over 250%—from 147 million in 2021 to an estimated 522 million by 2050. Nigeria, in particular, is expected to experience a surge, with its overweight and obese population tripling to 141 million.
The Impact on Younger Generations
The study highlights a disturbing trend among young people. Between 1990 and 2021:
- Obesity rates in children and younger teenagers jumped from 8.8% to 18.1%.
- Among young adults (under 25), obesity rates more than doubled from 9.9% to 20.3%.
By 2050, one in three young people is expected to be affected, putting immense pressure on healthcare systems.
A Call for Immediate Action
Researchers stress that governments must act now to reverse these trends. Prof. Emmanuela Gakidou of the University of Washington, who led the study, urged policymakers to target the most vulnerable populations with both prevention and treatment strategies.
“The unprecedented global epidemic of overweight and obesity is a profound tragedy and a monumental societal failure,” she stated.
Dr. Jessica Kerr, co-lead author from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, emphasized the need for multifaceted interventions to prevent intergenerational obesity and reduce future health and economic burdens.
Potential Game Changers: Weight Loss Medications
The study does not account for the impact of emerging weight-loss medications, which could significantly alter future obesity trends. However, experts agree that long-term solutions must include healthier diets, increased physical activity, and stronger public health policies.
The Road Ahead
With obesity already linked to serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, governments must act swiftly to prevent worsening public health crises. The question remains—will global leaders take the necessary steps to reverse this alarming trend before it’s too late?
Source: BBC, New York Post, SciTechDaily
