India may have 45 crore obese & overweight people by 2050: Lancet
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, while being overweight is defined as a BMI of 25-29.9. Both obesity and overweight are significant risk factors for various chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. According to a recent study published in The Lancet, India is likely to witness a staggering rise in the number of obese and overweight individuals by the year 2050.
The study, which analyzed data from over 200 countries, predicted that India may have 45 crore (450 million) obese and overweight people aged over 25 years by 2050. This alarming projection is not limited to India alone; China and the United States are also expected to see significant increases in the number of obese and overweight individuals.
China, which currently has the largest number of obese and overweight people, is expected to have 62.7 crore such individuals by 2050. The United States, which already has a significant obesity problem, is likely to have 21.4 crore obese and overweight people by the same year. These numbers are not only a concern for the individuals affected but also pose a significant burden on the healthcare systems of these countries.
The sub-Saharan Africa super-region, which already has a high prevalence of malnutrition, is expected to see the highest rise (254.8%) in the number of obese and overweight individuals by 2050. This trend is a cause for concern, as it could lead to a double burden of malnutrition, where both undernutrition and overnutrition coexist in the same population.
The Lancet study used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019, which analyzed data from 2017 to 2019. The study found that in 2019, there were 2.7 billion adults worldwide who were overweight or obese, which is approximately 39% of the global adult population. The study also found that the prevalence of obesity and overweight has increased globally by 7.4% since 2000.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Christopher Murray, emphasized the need for urgent action to address the growing problem of obesity and overweight. “The data show that the world is facing a major crisis in obesity and overweight, with significant consequences for health and mortality,” Dr. Murray said. “We need to take immediate action to address this crisis, including increasing physical activity, improving diet, and reducing sedentary behavior.”
So, what are the reasons behind this alarming trend? Several factors contribute to the growing problem of obesity and overweight, including:
- Changing diet: The widespread adoption of Western-style diets, which are high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats, has led to a significant increase in calorie intake.
- Sedentary lifestyle: The increasing use of technology, such as smartphones and computers, has led to a decrease in physical activity levels.
- Urbanization: As people move to urban areas, they often adopt a more sedentary lifestyle and have easier access to processed and high-calorie foods.
- Lack of physical activity: Many people do not engage in regular physical activity, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight.
To combat this growing problem, governments, healthcare systems, and individuals must work together to promote healthy lifestyles. Some strategies that can be implemented include:
- Public education campaigns: Governments and health organizations can launch public education campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of obesity and overweight.
- Infrastructure development: Cities and towns can invest in infrastructure that promotes physical activity, such as bike lanes, parks, and recreational facilities.
- Food policy reforms: Governments can implement policies that promote the production and consumption of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Healthcare system reforms: Healthcare systems can prioritize prevention and early intervention, rather than just treating the consequences of obesity and overweight.
In conclusion, the Lancet study’s prediction that India may have 45 crore obese and overweight people by 2050 is a wake-up call for governments, healthcare systems, and individuals. It is essential that we take immediate action to address this growing problem, including promoting healthy lifestyles, improving diets, and increasing physical activity. By working together, we can reduce the burden of obesity and overweight and promote a healthier future for all.
