Global Obesity Epidemic (Lancet)

A pair of studies published in The Lancet have projected that by 2050, over half of all adults (380 crore people) and one-third of all children and adolescents (74.6 crore people) worldwide will be overweight or obese. These studies provide crucial insights into the rising prevalence of obesity and overweight individuals globally, including forecasts till 2050.

Current Global Scenario

• As of 2021, 211 crore people (45% of the global population) were overweight or obese.
• Half of these cases were concentrated in just eight countries: China (40.2 crore), India (18 crore), USA (17.2 crore), Brazil (8.8 crore), Russia (7.1 crore), Mexico (5.8 crore), Indonesia (5.2 crore), Egypt (4.1 crore)
• Obesity in India: Alarming Trends
  • Adults (25+ years): The number of overweight and obese adults has increased significantly since 1990. India is projected to have the second-largest obese and overweight adult population in 2050.
  • Older Adolescents (15-24 years): India overtook China in 2021 as the country with the highest number of overweight and obese adolescents. This number is expected to rise further.
  • Children (5-14 years): India is currently second only to China in terms of overweight and obese children. By 2050, India is expected to narrow the gap, with obesity levels in China stabilizing but continuing to rise in India.

Impacts of Rising Obesity Levels

• Long-term obesity cycle: Overweight children are more likely to become obese adults.
• Early onset of diseases: Increases risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer.
• Rising healthcare burden: Higher costs due to increased demand for treatments and surgeries.
• Aging population at risk: By 2050, 25% of obese people will be above 65 years, increasing the burden on healthcare systems.
• Coexistence of undernutrition and obesity: Many low- and middle-income countries face a dual burden of malnutrition and rising obesity.

Causes of the Obesity Epidemic

• Shift in dietary patterns: Rising consumption of calorie-dense foods high in sugar, salt, and fat.
• Rise of ultra-processed foods: Rapid expansion of multinational food corporations into low- and middle-income countries.
• Weak regulations: Many developing nations lack strict policies to control unhealthy food markets.
• Market trends: The highest increase in ultra-processed food consumption (2009-2019) was seen in Cameroon, India, and Vietnam.

Potential Solutions

• Protect Local Food Systems: Strengthen traditional food markets and regulate multinational food companies.
• Public Health Policies: Implement national obesity strategies, promote healthy eating, and consider taxes on unhealthy foods.
• Clinical Interventions: Increase investment in obesity treatment and explore new-generation obesity drugs.