India may have 45 crore obese & overweight people by 2050: Lancet
In a worrying revelation, a recent study by The Lancet has predicted that India may have a staggering 45 crore people who are obese or overweight by the year 2050. This alarming figure is part of a larger trend where China, India, and the USA are expected to see the largest numbers of obese and overweight individuals by 2050. The sub-Saharan Africa super-region, meanwhile, is expected to experience the highest rise (254.8%) in such a population.
The study, which was published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal, analyzed data from 195 countries and territories to make its predictions. The researchers used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 to estimate the prevalence of obesity and overweight among adults aged 25 years and above. The study’s findings are a stark reminder of the global health crisis that is unfolding before our eyes.
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 is expected to follow closely behind, with a predicted 45 crore individuals falling into this category. The USA, meanwhile, is expected to have 21.4 crore people who are obese or overweight by 2050.
The sub-Saharan Africa super-region, which includes countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, is expected to experience the highest rise in the prevalence of obesity and overweight individuals. The region is expected to see a staggering 254.8% increase in such cases by 2050, making it the region with the fastest-growing obesity and overweight population.
The study’s findings are a cause for concern, as obesity and overweight are known to increase the risk of a range of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. In addition, these conditions can also have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, making it difficult for them to engage in everyday activities.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Ian Roberts, has warned that the rise of obesity and overweight individuals is a global health crisis that requires immediate attention. “The scale of the problem is staggering, and it is essential that we take immediate action to address it,” he said.
So, what can be done to address this growing health crisis? One of the key solutions is to implement policies that promote healthy eating and physical activity. This can include things like increasing access to healthy food options, building more public parks and recreational facilities, and implementing policies that encourage physical activity in the workplace.
Another important step is to address the social and economic factors that contribute to obesity and overweight. This can include things like reducing income inequality, increasing access to education and healthcare, and addressing the root causes of poverty and hunger.
Finally, it is essential that we invest in research and development to better understand the causes and consequences of obesity and overweight. This can include things like studying the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to these conditions, as well as developing new treatments and interventions to help people recover from them.
In conclusion, the study’s findings are a sobering reminder of the global health crisis that is unfolding before our eyes. India, China, and the USA are expected to see the largest numbers of obese and overweight individuals by 2050, while the sub-Saharan Africa super-region is expected to experience the highest rise in such cases. It is essential that we take immediate action to address this crisis, by implementing policies that promote healthy eating and physical activity, addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to obesity and overweight, and investing in research and development to better understand and treat these conditions.
