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A new study published in The Lancet warns that nearly 60 percent of all adults and a third of all children worldwide will be overweight or obese by 2050 unless governments take urgent action. The research, which analyzed data from 204 countries, underscores the growing obesity crisis and its potential impact on global health systems.
Lead author Emmanuela Gakidou from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) called the epidemic a “profound tragedy and a monumental societal failure.” According to the study, the number of overweight or obese people worldwide surged from 929 million in 1990 to 2.6 billion in 2021. Without intervention, the figure is projected to reach 3.8 billion adults by 2050.
The increasing prevalence of obesity will place immense pressure on healthcare systems, especially as a significant portion of the obese population will be over 65 years old by mid-century. Researchers also predict a dramatic 121-percent rise in obesity among children and adolescents, with a third of these cases concentrated in North Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Jessica Kerr, co-author from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, emphasized the need for stronger political commitment to transform diets and improve global food systems. She highlighted the importance of promoting better nutrition, increased physical activity, and healthier living environments.
Currently, more than half of the world’s overweight or obese adults reside in just eight countries: China, India, the United States, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia, and Egypt. While poor diet and sedentary lifestyles are major contributing factors, researchers acknowledge that other underlying causes, such as social deprivation, require further investigation.
The study, part of the Global Burden of Disease research initiative funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, serves as a call to action for governments and public health officials worldwide.
Disclaimer: This article is based on findings from The Lancet and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for personalized health guidance.
