Alarming Rise in Global Obesity Rates Demands Urgent Action, Study Finds
Obesity rates have reached a critical level worldwide, with adults experiencing a more than twofold increase in the past three decades, and children and adolescents facing an even more alarming rise, according to a new study. The research, based on data from over 220 million people in nearly 200 countries, reveals that over 1 billion individuals are now classified as obese. This calls for immediate action to implement policies that promote prevention, weight loss, and disease risk reduction, as published in The Lancet.
The surge in obesity rates poses a significant threat to the increase in life expectancy and healthy years of life. It places a heavy financial burden on healthcare systems and employers. Experts attribute this rise to the abundance of unhealthy food and beverages, the high cost of nutritious products, and the lack of opportunities for physical exercise. Majid Ezzati, a professor at Imperial College London’s school of public health and the senior author of the paper, expressed concern over the fact that obesity is now affecting school-aged children and adolescents, mirroring the epidemic that was previously observed among adults.
The study, conducted by over 1,500 researchers in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), analyzed changes in obesity rates between 1990 and 2022. It utilized height and weight measurements to calculate body mass index and estimate obesity and underweight rates. The findings revealed that obesity rates have risen across different regions, cultures, and income levels. The prevalence of obesity has more than doubled for women, increasing from 8.8% to 18.5%, and almost tripled for men, rising from 4.8% to 14%.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of WHO, emphasized the importance of preventing and managing obesity from early life to adulthood through diet, physical activity, and adequate care. He called for a comprehensive effort that involves collaboration with the private sector, which should be held accountable for the health impacts of their products.
While obesity rates have risen globally, the study highlighted significant regional differences. The Middle East, North Africa, and island nations in the Caribbean, Micronesia, and Polynesia experienced some of the highest increases. In the United States, 43.8% of women and 41.6% of men were classified as obese in 2022, with the male prevalence ranking as the tenth highest in the world. In the UK, 28.3% of women and 26.9% of men were obese. India and China, the two most populous countries, had relatively low obesity rates but still witnessed sharp rises over the 32-year period covered in the study.
The most troubling aspect of the findings was the significant increase in obesity rates among children and adolescents. The global prevalence of obesity more than quadrupled in girls, rising from 1.7% to 6.9%, and more than quadrupled in boys, increasing from 2.1% to 9.3%. This indicates that a larger number of individuals will be obese for a substantial portion of their lives, heightening the risks of chronic diseases and reducing life expectancy.
Experts pointed out that the rise in child obesity reflects urban planning trends that do not prioritize walking or sporting activities. Louise Foley, an epidemiologist at Cambridge University’s Centre for Diet and Activity Research, highlighted the need to design cities that support good health and make physical activity easily accessible and safe.
While new weight-loss drugs show promise in combating obesity, their high cost and limited accessibility remain significant barriers. Clinical guidelines for these drugs are yet to be developed. Demand for treatments like Wegovy, a weight-loss drug from Danish company Novo Nordisk, is surging in the US and Europe. Wegovy has been shown to reduce the risk of death by 18% in trials. However, its availability is currently limited to a few countries, and the drug’s price is approximately $1,350 for a month’s supply.
Other potential initiatives to address obesity include making nutritious diets more affordable and unhealthy foods more expensive. A separate report published in the British Medical Journal revealed that ultra-processed foods are directly linked to 32 harmful health effects, including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Taxes on high-sugar drinks have proven effective in countries like the US, Mexico, and Chile. However, implementing an effective international response would require significant political will to tackle corporate interests. The increasing prevalence of obesity has far-reaching implications for healthcare systems, economic costs, and mental health.
The study’s findings serve as a wake-up call for governments, policymakers, and individuals worldwide. Urgent action is needed to combat the obesity epidemic and promote healthier lifestyles. By implementing comprehensive policies that prioritize prevention, encourage weight loss, and create environments conducive to physical activity, we can work towards a healthier future for generations to come.
