A report in The Lancet predicts that India could see over 440 million overweight individuals by 2050, with a substantial impact on youth. This trend reflects a larger global epidemic of obesity, prompting calls for health interventions and strategic public health measures to address the crisis.
A recent report published in The Lancet journal predicts that by the year 2050, India may have over 440 million individuals classified as overweight or obese. This figure represents a concerning estimate of 218 million men and 231 million women, potentially making India the country with the second highest number of overweight people, trailing only China. Following these two nations, the United States, Brazil, and Nigeria are projected to rank third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, among countries with high obesity rates.
The study is part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, with contributions from an international team that includes researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research. According to their findings, as of 2021, approximately half of the adult global population was classified as overweight or obese, totaling over two billion. In India alone, nearly 180 million individuals fit these categories, with 81 million men and 98 million women affected.
The report highlights a worrying trend; by 2050, the number of overweight individuals worldwide could soar to nearly 3.8 billion, encompassing an estimated 1.8 billion men and 1.9 billion women. Notably, the authors observed that while China, India, and the United States will continue to have significant populations of overweight individuals, the sub-Saharan Africa region is projected to experience an increase of 254.8% in obesity rates.
Furthermore, the research anticipates that by 2050, approximately 16 million boys and over 14 million girls aged 5-14 years in India could be classified as overweight or obese, again ranking second globally, behind China. For the 15-24 age group, India may face the highest burden, with over 22 million men and nearly 17 million women predicted to suffer from obesity-related health issues.
Emmanuela Gakidou, the lead author from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, remarked that “the unprecedented global epidemic of overweight and obesity is a profound tragedy and a monumental societal failure.” Gakidou emphasized that this comprehensive analysis should aid governments and public health officials in identifying priority populations for obesity intervention and prevention strategies.
This alarming report coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public calls toward addressing obesity, advocating for the promotion of a healthier nation. Recognizing obesity as a condition defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30, its implications include elevated risks of metabolic and heart diseases, detrimental effects on bone health, fertility issues, and increased cancer susceptibility.
Recognizing the limitations of using BMI as a sole indicator of health, experts have recommended a more nuanced diagnostic approach. In a Lancet Commission report, experts advocated for the inclusion of measures such as waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratios in evaluating obesity. They proposed two new classifications, “clinical obesity” for chronic conditions due to organ dysfunction and “pre-clinical obesity” for those at increased health risk without a diagnosed illness.
In summary, the alarming projection of over 440 million overweight individuals in India by 2050 highlights a pressing global health crisis. The study indicates significant increases in obesity rates, especially in youth and young adults, which underscores the need for immediate public health interventions. Collaborating efforts are essential to combat this obesity epidemic effectively and enhance population health.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
