India May Have 45 Crore Obese & Overweight People by 2050: Lancet
India, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, is set to face a significant health crisis in the coming decades. A recent study published in The Lancet has warned that India may have 45 crore (450 million) obese and overweight people aged over 25 years by the year 2050. This alarming trend is not unique to India; other countries like China and the USA are also expected to see a significant increase in the number of obese and overweight individuals.
According to the study, India, China, and the USA will see the largest numbers of obese and overweight people by 2050. The sub-Saharan Africa super-region, which consists of 46 countries, is expected to see the highest rise (254.8%) in the population of obese and overweight individuals.
The Lancet study, which analyzed data from 195 countries, found that the number of obese and overweight individuals worldwide has more than tripled since 1975. In 2016, around 2.1 billion adults were overweight or obese, which is a significant increase from the 694 million in 1975.
The study highlights the alarming trend of rising obesity and overweight rates, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The increasing prevalence of obesity and overweight is linked to various health risks, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
One of the main reasons behind the rising obesity and overweight rates is the changing lifestyle and diet of people. With the increasing adoption of Western diets and sedentary lifestyles, people are consuming more calories and engaging in less physical activity. This has led to a significant increase in the prevalence of obesity and overweight.
Another major factor contributing to the rise in obesity and overweight rates is the lack of physical activity and exercise. With the increasing use of technology and digital devices, people are spending more time sitting and less time engaging in physical activity. This has led to a significant decline in physical activity levels, which is a major risk factor for obesity and overweight.
The study also highlights the need for governments and healthcare systems to take immediate action to address the growing obesity and overweight crisis. This includes implementing public health campaigns to promote healthy eating and physical activity, increasing access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities, and developing effective healthcare systems to treat and manage obesity and overweight.
The Lancet study is a wake-up call for India and other countries to take immediate action to address the growing obesity and overweight crisis. The Indian government and healthcare system need to develop effective strategies to promote healthy eating and physical activity, increase access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities, and develop effective healthcare systems to treat and manage obesity and overweight.
In conclusion, the Lancet study is a stark reminder of the growing obesity and overweight crisis in India and other countries. The study highlights the need for governments and healthcare systems to take immediate action to address this crisis. By implementing public health campaigns to promote healthy eating and physical activity, increasing access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities, and developing effective healthcare systems to treat and manage obesity and overweight, we can work towards a healthier and fitter future for India and the world.
