India may have 45 crore obese & overweight people by 2050: Lancet
In a shocking revelation, a recent study by The Lancet has predicted that India may have 45 crore obese and overweight people aged over 25 years by the year 2050. The study, which analyzed data from 195 countries, has estimated that China, India, and the USA will see the largest numbers of obese and overweight people by 2050.
The Lancet study, which was published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, has also predicted that the sub-Saharan Africa super-region will see the highest rise (254.8%) in the population of obese and overweight people. This alarming prediction highlights the urgent need for governments and healthcare systems around the world to take immediate action to address the growing obesity epidemic.
According to the study, the number of obese and overweight people worldwide is expected to increase from 1.9 billion in 2019 to 2.7 billion by 2050. This represents a significant increase of 42.4% over the next three decades. The study found that South Asia, including India, will account for a significant proportion of this increase, with the region expected to see a 134.1% rise in the number of obese and overweight people.
The study’s findings are based on data from 195 countries, including India, China, the USA, and others. The researchers used a combination of data from national surveys, health records, and other sources to estimate the number of obese and overweight people in each country.
The Lancet study also found that the prevalence of obesity and overweight is increasing rapidly in many countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. In India, for example, the prevalence of obesity and overweight among adults aged 25 years and above is expected to increase from 26.2% in 2019 to 37.2% by 2050.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Majid Ezzati, from Imperial College London, said, “Our study highlights the urgent need for governments and healthcare systems to take immediate action to address the growing obesity epidemic. We need to implement effective policies and interventions to promote healthy diets and physical activity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.”
The Lancet study’s findings are consistent with other recent studies that have highlighted the growing obesity epidemic in India and other countries. A study published last year by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that India is home to over 110 million obese and overweight adults, which is the highest number in the world.
The WHO study also found that the prevalence of obesity and overweight is increasing rapidly in India, particularly among young people. In India, the prevalence of obesity and overweight among children and adolescents is expected to increase from 18.6% in 2016 to 24.3% by 2025.
The Lancet study’s findings have significant implications for public health policy and practice in India and other countries. The study highlights the need for governments and healthcare systems to implement effective policies and interventions to promote healthy diets and physical activity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
In India, the government has taken some steps to address the growing obesity epidemic, including launching public awareness campaigns and promoting healthy diets and physical activity. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of obesity and overweight, including lack of physical activity, unhealthy diets, and poverty.
In conclusion, the Lancet study’s prediction that India may have 45 crore obese and overweight people by 2050 is a wake-up call for governments and healthcare systems around the world. The study highlights the urgent need for action to address the growing obesity epidemic, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India.
