With more than one billion people worldwide suffering from obesity, the numbers have increased exponentially since 1990, according to a recent study published by the Lancet medical journal. This “epidemic” is particularly impacting poorer countries, with the rate of obesity growing among children and adolescents at a faster pace than among adults. The study, conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization, reveals that there were approximately 226 million obese adults, adolescents, and children globally in 1990. Shockingly, this figure has now soared to 1,038 million in 2022.
Francesco Branca, the director of nutrition for health at the WHO, expressed concern over the unexpected acceleration of obesity rates surpassing the one billion mark much earlier than anticipated. While the medical community was aware of the rapid increase in obesity cases, reaching this symbolic figure was projected to occur in 2030. Researchers analyzed data from over 220 million individuals in more than 190 countries to arrive at these staggering estimates.
Individuals grappling with obesity face a myriad of health risks, including a greater likelihood of premature death from heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The COVID-19 pandemic further heightened the danger for obese individuals, as being overweight amplified the risk of mortality. Countries in regions such as Polynesia and Micronesia, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and North Africa have witnessed a significant surge in obesity rates, surpassing those in many high-income industrialized nations.
Branca emphasized the global shift in the perception of obesity, once regarded as a problem confined to affluent countries but now recognized as a worldwide issue. The rapid transformation of food systems in low and middle-income countries has contributed to the alarming rise in obesity rates. Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London, the lead author of the study, noted a plateauing trend in obesity rates in some southern European countries, offering a glimmer of hope. However, the prevalence of obesity continues to exceed the number of underweight individuals in most nations.
WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the importance of prevention and management of obesity from early childhood through adulthood. Implementing strategies such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and providing appropriate healthcare are crucial. Collaboration with the private sector is key to achieving global targets for reducing obesity rates, with accountability for the health impacts of their products. The WHO has advocated for measures such as taxing sugary drinks, restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and subsidizing nutritious options.
While advancements in treatments for conditions such as diabetes may aid in addressing the obesity crisis, Branca cautioned against viewing these drugs as a definitive solution. He underscored the importance of evaluating the long-term effects and potential side effects of these medications. Recognizing that obesity is a complex and chronic issue, it is imperative to assess the overall impact of new treatment modalities to effectively combat this growing epidemic.