India may have 45 crore obese & overweight people by 2050: Lancet
The alarming rates of obesity and overweight individuals worldwide have been a pressing concern for health experts and policymakers for quite some time. According to a recent study published in The Lancet, India is set to join the ranks of countries with the highest number of obese and overweight people by the year 2050. The study reveals that India may have a staggering 45 crore people aged over 25 years who are obese or overweight by the year 2050.
The study, which analyzed data from 200 countries, found that China, India, and the USA are expected to have the largest number of obese and overweight people by 2050. While China is expected to have 62.7 crore obese and overweight individuals, the USA is expected to have 21.4 crore people in this category. India, as mentioned earlier, is expected to have 45 crore people with a high body mass index (BMI).
The study also highlighted the alarming rise in obesity and overweight population in sub-Saharan Africa, which is expected to increase by a staggering 254.8% by 2050. This region is expected to have the highest rise in the number of obese and overweight individuals, with the population expected to increase from 42.9 crore to 151.4 crore by 2050.
The Lancet study used data from 200 countries to analyze the trend of obesity and overweight individuals from 1975 to 2016. The study found that the number of obese and overweight individuals worldwide has more than tripled since 1975, with the global population increasing from 1.6 crore to 2.1 crore.
The study also highlighted the significant impact of obesity and overweight on public health. Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. The study found that the global burden of obesity and overweight has increased by 40% since 1975, with the number of years lived with disability (YLDs) due to obesity and overweight increasing by 25%.
The study’s authors emphasized the need for governments and policymakers to take immediate action to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight. They suggested that governments should implement policies to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks, promote physical activity, and provide education and awareness programs to help individuals make informed choices about their diet and lifestyle.
The study’s findings have significant implications for India, which is already grappling with a range of health challenges. The country has made significant progress in reducing child mortality and improving access to healthcare, but it still faces significant challenges in addressing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
India’s growing middle class and changing lifestyles have contributed to an increase in the consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks, which has been linked to the rise in obesity and overweight. The country’s physical activity levels have also declined, with many individuals leading sedentary lifestyles.
The government and policymakers in India have taken some steps to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight. The government has launched initiatives to promote physical activity and healthy eating, and has also increased taxes on sugary drinks and foods high in salt and sugar.
However, more needs to be done to address the scale of the problem. The study’s findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing obesity and overweight, including education and awareness programs, changes to food and drink policies, and increased investment in physical activity programs.
In conclusion, the Lancet study’s findings are a wake-up call for governments and policymakers around the world, including India. The growing problem of obesity and overweight poses significant challenges for public health, and requires immediate attention and action.
