India May Have 45 Crore Obese & Overweight People by 2050: Lancet
The alarming rate of obesity and overweight population in India is set to skyrocket by the year 2050, according to a recent study published by The Lancet. The study, which analyzed data from 195 countries, has projected that India may have a staggering 45 crore obese and overweight individuals aged over 25 years by 2050. This figure is a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for effective measures to combat this public health crisis.
The study, which was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Washington, the University of California, and the World Health Organization (WHO), analyzed data from 195 countries to forecast the number of obese and overweight individuals by 2050. The researchers used a combination of data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 and the WHO’s 2016 Nutrition Landscape Information System to make their predictions.
According to the study, China is expected to have the largest number of obese and overweight individuals by 2050, with a projected 62.7 crore people affected. India and the United States are expected to follow closely, with 45 crore and 21.4 crore individuals, respectively, falling in this category.
What’s even more alarming is the rapid rise in the number of obese and overweight individuals expected in the sub-Saharan Africa super-region. According to the study, this region is expected to see a staggering 254.8% increase in the number of obese and overweight individuals by 2050. This is a stark reminder of the urgent need for policymakers and healthcare professionals to take immediate action to address this public health crisis.
The study highlights that the rapid increase in obesity and overweight individuals is not limited to high-income countries. Low- and middle-income countries, including India, are also experiencing a significant rise in these numbers. This is attributed to a combination of factors, including sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and lack of physical activity.
The consequences of obesity and overweight are severe and far-reaching. These conditions are linked to a range of serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. In addition, obesity and overweight also have significant economic and social implications, including reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and decreased quality of life.
So, what can be done to address this public health crisis? The study highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach that includes increasing physical activity, improving diet quality, and reducing sedentary behaviors. Governments, policymakers, and healthcare professionals must work together to implement policies and programs that promote healthy lifestyles and prevent obesity and overweight.
In India, there are several initiatives underway to combat obesity and overweight. The government has launched several programs aimed at promoting physical activity and healthy diets, including the National Health Mission and the National Nutrition Mission. Additionally, there are several non-governmental organizations and community-based initiatives that are working to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent obesity and overweight.
In conclusion, the study by The Lancet is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight in India. With the country expected to have 45 crore obese and overweight individuals by 2050, it is essential that policymakers and healthcare professionals take immediate action to implement effective measures to prevent and control this public health crisis.
