India Projected to Face Soaring Obesity Rates by 2050: Lancet Study
The Lancet predicts that by 2050, India may have 450 million obese or overweight individuals. This increase positions India as one of the leading countries in obesity rates, alongside China and the USA. The global obesity crisis is expected to affect 3.8 billion adults, with significant increases noted in various regions due to changes in eating patterns.
A recent study published in The Lancet has projected that by the year 2050, India may witness an alarming increase in obesity, with approximately 450 million individuals, aged 25 and above, classified as overweight or obese. This significant rise places India among the countries with the highest rates of obesity worldwide, following China, which is expected to have around 627 million affected individuals, and the United States, with a projected 214 million. The study emphasizes that India, China, and the USA will continue to dominate the global obesity figures.
The global scenario indicates that if current trends persist, nearly 3.8 billion adults worldwide may be overweight or obese, which would account for over half of the anticipated adult population globally by 2050. Of this figure, it is estimated that roughly 1.95 billion individuals will be classified as obese. Notably, the Sub-Saharan Africa region is projected to experience a staggering 254.8 percent increase in overweight or obese individuals.
Data from 2021 illustrates that there were approximately 2.11 billion adults globally categorized as obese or overweight, with specific figures revealing 1 billion males and 1.11 billion females. Among these, China led with 402 million, followed closely by India at 180 million and the USA at 172 million. The prevalence of obesity has escalated by 155.1 percent in males and 104.9 percent in females since 1990; in India, estimates showed 4.4 percent of males and 7.5 percent of females being obese.
In addition to the three leading countries, other nations, including Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia, and Egypt, contributed to more than half of the global overweight population. The rapid growth of obesity rates has been particularly pronounced in North Africa and the Middle East, highlighting a concerning trend. This overall rise in obesity can be partly attributed to the expansion of fast-food chains, which increasingly target low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
India, along with countries like Cameroon and Vietnam, has experienced the largest annual growth in the consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages from 2009 to 2019. This trend is reflective of population growth, improved incomes, and less stringent regulations, all creating conducive environments for the expansion of fast food markets.
In summary, The Lancet’s study underscores a dire warning about the obesity epidemic facing India and other countries. With projections pointing to a significant increase in overweight populations, urgent public health interventions are required to combat the prevalence of unhealthy eating habits and promote healthier lifestyles. The findings highlight a collective global responsibility to address dietary habits and food consumption patterns.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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