India may have 45 crore obese & overweight people by 2050: Lancet
Obesity and overweight are increasingly becoming a major concern worldwide, with many countries struggling to combat the growing issue. A recent study by The Lancet, a prestigious medical journal, has shed light on the alarming trend, predicting that India may have a staggering 45 crore obese and overweight people aged over 25 years by the year 2050. This staggering figure is part of a larger global picture, with China, India, and the USA expected to see the largest numbers of obese and overweight individuals by the mid-century mark.
According to the study, the sub-Saharan Africa super-region is likely to witness the highest rise (254.8%) in the population of obese and overweight people, highlighting the stark disparities in health outcomes across the globe. The study, which analyzed data from 200 countries, also revealed that the number of obese and overweight people worldwide is expected to increase from 2.1 billion in 2013 to 4.5 billion by 2050.
The Lancet study, which was published in the journal’s latest issue, is based on data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, a comprehensive analysis of health trends and outcomes globally. The GBD study is conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington and is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative sources of global health data.
The study’s findings are a wake-up call for governments, healthcare systems, and individuals alike. Obesity and overweight are major risk factors for a range of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. The financial burden of these diseases is also significant, with studies estimating that the global economy loses over $2 trillion annually due to health problems related to obesity and overweight.
So, what are the key factors contributing to the alarming rise in obesity and overweight in India and other countries? The study identifies several key drivers, including:
- Urbanization: As people move from rural to urban areas, they often experience changes in their lifestyle, including a shift towards a more sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in processed foods and sugar.
- Economic growth: As countries experience economic growth, they often see an increase in the availability and affordability of unhealthy foods and beverages, contributing to the rise in obesity and overweight.
- Socioeconomic factors: Poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthy food options are all significant barriers to healthy eating and physical activity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
- Changing lifestyles: The increasing prevalence of sedentary jobs and lifestyles, combined with the widespread use of electronic devices, is also contributing to the rise in obesity and overweight.
The Lancet study’s findings are a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight. Governments, healthcare systems, and individuals must work together to promote healthy eating and physical activity, improve access to healthcare and nutrition education, and support policies that promote healthy environments.
In India, the government has already taken several steps to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight, including launching campaigns to promote healthy eating and physical activity, improving access to healthcare and nutrition education, and increasing investment in public health initiatives. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem and to ensure that all Indians have access to the resources and support they need to live healthy, active lives.
In conclusion, the Lancet study’s findings are a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight. India, along with other countries, must work together to promote healthy eating and physical activity, improve access to healthcare and nutrition education, and support policies that promote healthy environments. Only by working together can we hope to reduce the number of obese and overweight people and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
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