India may have 45 crore obese & overweight people by 2050: Lancet
Obesity and overweight are becoming increasingly common health issues globally, and India is no exception. According to a recent study published in The Lancet, India may have a staggering 45 crore people who are obese or overweight by the year 2050. This number is expected to be among the highest in the world, alongside China and the United States.
The study, which was conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of Washington, analyzed data from 200 countries to predict the number of obese and overweight individuals in each country by 2050. The researchers used a statistical model to estimate the number of people who would be obese or overweight based on current trends and projections.
According to the study, China is expected to have the highest number of obese and overweight people, with an estimated 62.7 crore individuals in this category. India is expected to have the second-highest number, with 45 crore people, followed by the United States, which is expected to have 21.4 crore obese and overweight individuals.
The study also found that the sub-Saharan Africa super-region may see the highest rise (254.8%) in the number of obese and overweight people by 2050. This is a worrying trend, as obesity and overweight are linked to a range of serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
The Lancet study is the latest in a series of warnings about the growing obesity epidemic in India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India is home to over 20% of the world’s obese adults, and the country is expected to have the highest number of obese people by 2025.
The causes of obesity and overweight are complex and multifaceted. In India, a range of factors are contributing to the growing problem, including:
- Changing lifestyles: Many Indians are adopting Westernized diets and lifestyles, which are high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats.
- Urbanization: As people move to cities, they are often faced with a lack of access to healthy food options and opportunities for physical activity.
- Economic growth: As incomes rise, people are able to afford more processed and convenience foods, which are often high in calories and low in nutrients.
- Genetic factors: Some people may be more prone to obesity due to their genetic makeup.
The consequences of obesity and overweight are severe and far-reaching. In addition to the health problems mentioned earlier, obesity and overweight can also lead to:
- Reduced productivity: Obesity and overweight can reduce a person’s energy levels and ability to perform physically demanding tasks.
- Social isolation: People who are obese or overweight may face social stigma and isolation, which can have negative effects on their mental health.
- Economic costs: Obesity and overweight can lead to increased healthcare costs, lost productivity, and reduced economic growth.
So, what can be done to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight in India? The Lancet study highlights the need for a range of interventions, including:
- Improving access to healthy food options: Governments and private companies can work together to increase the availability of healthy, nutritious foods in urban and rural areas.
- Promoting physical activity: Governments and schools can promote physical activity through programs such as sports, dance, and other forms of exercise.
- Reducing sugar and salt in foods: Governments can set strict regulations to reduce the amount of sugar and salt in foods, particularly in processed and packaged foods.
- Increasing awareness: Public awareness campaigns can be launched to educate people about the risks of obesity and overweight, as well as the importance of healthy eating and physical activity.
The good news is that there are many organizations and individuals working to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight in India. From government initiatives to community-based programs, there are many ways to make a positive impact.
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