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India may have 45 crore obese & overweight people by 2050: Lancet
According to a recent study published in The Lancet, India may be facing a significant health crisis in the coming decades. The study predicts that by the year 2050, India may have a staggering 45 crore people who are obese or overweight, aged over 25 years. This alarming projection has raised concerns about the country’s healthcare infrastructure and the need for immediate action to address this growing problem.
The study, which analyzed data from 195 countries, found that China, India, and the USA will see the largest numbers of obese and overweight people by 2050. China is expected to have 62.7 crore people in this category, while the USA is expected to have 21.4 crore. However, it is India’s projected number of 45 crore that has raised the most concern.
The sub-Saharan Africa super-region is also expected to see a significant rise in the number of obese and overweight people, with a projected increase of 254.8% by 2050. This is a worrying trend, especially considering that this region is already plagued by poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare.
The study’s findings are based on data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019, which analyzed health data from 195 countries and territories. The researchers used a combination of data from surveys, health records, and other sources to estimate the number of people who are obese or overweight.
Obesity and overweight are serious health issues that can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. They can also reduce life expectancy and increase healthcare costs.
The Lancet study highlights the need for governments, health organizations, and individuals to take immediate action to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight. Some of the measures that can be taken include:
- Promoting healthy eating habits: Encouraging people to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the risk of obesity and overweight.
- Engaging in regular physical activity: Regular exercise can help burn calories and maintain a healthy weight.
- Reducing sugar intake: Consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity and overweight.
- Supporting breastfeeding: Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity in children.
- Implementing policies to promote healthy lifestyles: Governments can implement policies to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and breastfeeding, such as providing safe and accessible public spaces for exercise and creating incentives for healthy eating.
The Indian government has taken some steps to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight, such as launching campaigns to promote healthy eating and physical activity. However, more needs to be done to address this critical issue.
In conclusion, the Lancet study’s prediction of 45 crore obese and overweight people in India by 2050 is a wake-up call for the country’s healthcare system and government. It is essential that immediate action is taken to address this growing problem and promote healthy lifestyles among the Indian population.
