A new study published in The Lancet indicates that obesity rates among children and adults have soared globally, with over one billion individuals affected. The research calls for immediate action from governments and health organizations to curb this escalating health crisis.
A comprehensive global analysis published in The Lancet has unearthed that over one billion people worldwide are currently living with obesity. This study, conducted by assessing data from more than 220 million individuals across 190 countries from 1990 to 2022, reveals a disturbing trend in the rise of obesity rates. Specifically, the research found that about 159 million children and adolescents, along with 879 million adults, are affected by obesity. Notably, obesity rates among children and adolescents have quadrupled, while adult obesity rates have more than doubled since 1990.
In the UK, there’s a concerning landscape where approximately 16.8 million people are grappling with obesity. According to Professor Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London, this escalation is alarming, especially as the prevalence amongst school-aged children and adolescents is steeply growing. The regional statistics present children’s obesity rates climbing from 1.7% for girls and 2.1% for boys in 1990, to 6.9% and 9.3% respectively in 2022.
Highlighting a need for urgent action, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization, emphasized the necessity for early intervention through lifestyle changes and better healthcare strategies. Additionally, the analysis pointed towards the need for combined efforts from governments, communities, public health agencies, and the private sector to address this escalating concern effectively.
Countries such as Tonga, American Samoa, and Nauru were identified as having the highest obesity rates, exceeding 60%. The surge in obesity poses significant risks for chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer, underlining the urgent necessity for implementing preventive measures and policies.
The rise in obesity rates is attributed to the increased prevalence of unhealthy foods, inadequate access to nutritious options, and limited physical activity opportunities, showcasing significant challenges for global healthcare systems and underlining the need for rigorous action to mitigate this growing epidemic.
