A new study published in The Lancet journal predicts that over 50% of adults worldwide will be obese or overweight by 2050. The findings come from analyzing global data covering more than 200 countries and show a rapid increase in obesity levels, particularly in lower-income countries.
According to the study, almost half the global adult population was already overweight or obese in 2021. If trends continue, the number of overweight adults will rise to 57.4% for men and 60.3% for women by 2050. China, India, and the USA are expected to have the largest populations of overweight or obese people.
The researchers warn that if governments take urgent action now, it may still be possible to prevent a “profound tragedy.” However, population growth in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to more than triple obesity numbers, with Nigeria expected to see its population of overweight adults more than triple by 2050.
Experts emphasize the need for immediate intervention and treatment to address this issue. They suggest that governments can use country-specific data on weight trends to identify priority populations and develop targeted prevention strategies. The study’s authors describe the global epidemic of obesity as a “profound tragedy” and a “monumental societal failure.”
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy87d2g81yxo