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 a staggering 45 crore (450 million) people who are obese or overweight by the year 2050. This alarming forecast highlights the severe health crisis that the country is likely to face in the coming decades. According to the study, China, India, and the USA will witness the largest numbers of obese and overweight individuals by 2050.
The study, which analyzed data from over 130 countries, found that the number of obese and overweight individuals worldwide is expected to rise by 10% between 2016 and 2025. However, the sub-Saharan Africa super-region is likely to experience the highest rise in such a population, with a staggering 254.8% increase projected by 2050.
The findings of the study are a cause for concern, especially in the context of India, which is already grappling with a range of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The Lancet study highlights the urgent need for policymakers and healthcare providers to take immediate action to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight in the country.
Obesity and overweight are significant risk factors for various chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. In India, the prevalence of obesity and overweight is already relatively high, particularly among urban populations. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), 2015-16, around 9% of women and 18% of men in India were obese.
The Lancet study used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2016 study to project the number of obese and overweight individuals worldwide. The study found that the number of obese and overweight individuals in China, India, and the USA would increase by 2025, with China expected to have the largest number of obese and overweight individuals, followed by India and the USA.
The study also highlighted the significant disparities in the prevalence of obesity and overweight across different regions and countries. For instance, while the prevalence of obesity and overweight is relatively high in high-income countries, it is still relatively low in many low- and middle-income countries. However, the study found that the trend is changing, with many low- and middle-income countries experiencing a rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity and overweight.
The Lancet study underscores the need for policymakers and healthcare providers to adopt a comprehensive approach to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight. This includes implementing policies to promote healthy eating habits, increasing physical activity levels, and providing access to affordable and effective weight management interventions.
In India, the government has already taken some steps to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight. For instance, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched several initiatives to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity, including the “Swasthya Bharat” program, which aims to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases.
However, more needs to be done to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight in the country. This includes increasing awareness about the risks associated with obesity and overweight, providing access to affordable and effective weight management interventions, and promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity levels.
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 policymakers and healthcare providers. It highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight in the country. By implementing evidence-based policies and programs, India can reduce the burden of obesity and overweight and promote healthy lifestyles among its population.
