India may have 45 crore obese & overweight people by 2050: Lancet
The burden of obesity and overweight individuals is a growing concern globally, and a recent study by The Lancet has shed light on the alarming rise of this issue in several countries, including India. According to the study, India may have 45 crore obese and overweight people aged over 25 years by the year 2050. This staggering figure is a cause for concern, not only for the individuals affected but also for the healthcare system as a whole.
The study, which was published in The Lancet, analyzed data from 200 countries and found that China, India, and the USA will have the largest numbers of obese and overweight people by 2050. China is expected to have 62.7 crore, India 45 crore, and the USA 21.4 crore individuals who are obese or overweight.
One of the most striking findings of the study is the rapid rise in the number of obese and overweight individuals in the sub-Saharan Africa super-region. According to the study, this region is expected to see a massive increase of 254.8% in the number of obese and overweight people by 2050. This is alarming, considering that the region is already grappling with a range of health challenges, including high rates of malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis.
The study’s findings are based on an analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, which was conducted by an international team of researchers. The study used a range of data sources, including national health surveys, demographic surveys, and administrative records, to estimate the number of obese and overweight individuals in each country.
The study’s authors identified several factors that are contributing to the rising trend of obesity and overweight in India and other countries. These include increasing urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and changes in dietary patterns. In India, for example, the growing trend of eating out and consuming processed foods is contributing to the rise in obesity and overweight.
The impact of obesity and overweight on public health is significant. Obesity is a major risk factor for a range of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. It is also a major risk factor for mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. Furthermore, the economic burden of obesity is significant, with studies suggesting that it costs the global economy billions of dollars each year.
So, what can be done to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight in India and other countries? One of the key strategies is to promote healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular physical activity and a balanced diet. This can be achieved through a range of initiatives, including the development of healthy food options in schools and workplaces, the promotion of physical activity through community programs, and the provision of education and support for individuals who are trying to make healthy lifestyle changes.
Another key strategy is to address the root causes of obesity and overweight, such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and social and economic inequality. This can be achieved through a range of initiatives, including the development of targeted health programs, the provision of financial support for individuals and families, and the promotion of social and economic equality.
The Lancet study’s findings are a wake-up call for governments, healthcare providers, and individuals around the world. They highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive response to the growing problem of obesity and overweight, and the importance of promoting healthy lifestyle habits and addressing the root causes of this issue.
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