Title: India may have 45 crore obese & overweight people by 2050: Lancet
The Lancet, a renowned international medical journal, has made a startling revelation in its latest study. According to the study, India is likely to have a staggering 45 crore obese and overweight people aged over 25 years by the year 2050. This alarming prediction is not limited to India alone; China and the USA are also expected to witness significant numbers of obese and overweight individuals by the same year.
The study, published in The Lancet, analyzed data from 200 countries and found that the number of obese and overweight people worldwide is likely to increase by 16% by 2050. This alarming trend is attributed to the changing lifestyles, diets, and physical activity patterns across the globe.
The study also highlights that the sub-Saharan Africa super-region is expected to witness the highest rise (254.8%) in the population of obese and overweight individuals. This is a cause for concern, as the region is already grappling with various health issues, including high rates of malnutrition, infectious diseases, and maternal and child mortality.
According to the study, China is expected to have the largest number of obese and overweight people, with an estimated 62.7 crore individuals falling in this category. India comes second, with an estimated 45 crore obese and overweight individuals, while the USA is expected to have around 21.4 crore such individuals.
The study’s findings are a wake-up call for governments, policymakers, and health experts around the world. It highlights the need for urgent action to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight, which is a major risk factor for various non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Obesity and overweight have become a major public health concern in India, with the country already witnessing a significant increase in the number of obese and overweight individuals in recent years. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4, conducted in 2015-16, around 29% of Indian adults were overweight, while around 13% were obese.
The Lancet study’s findings are attributed to various factors, including changes in dietary patterns, physical inactivity, and urbanization. The study’s authors highlight that the shift towards a more sedentary lifestyle, coupled with the increasing availability and consumption of high-calorie foods, has contributed to the growth of obesity and overweight worldwide.
The study also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight. This includes promoting healthy diets, increasing physical activity levels, and implementing policies to reduce the marketing and sale of unhealthy foods.
In India, the government has taken some steps to address the issue of obesity and overweight. The National Nutrition Mission, launched in 2017, aims to reduce stunting, wasting, and undernutrition among children, adolescents, and pregnant women. However, more needs to be done to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight.
In conclusion, the Lancet study’s findings are a stark reminder of the growing problem of obesity and overweight worldwide. India, in particular, needs to take urgent action to address this issue, which poses a significant threat to the country’s public health. By promoting healthy diets, increasing physical activity levels, and implementing policies to reduce the marketing and sale of unhealthy foods, we can work towards a healthier and fitter India.
