Global Obesity Rates: 1 in 8 Qualify, Studies Show
TL/DR –
The rate of obesity has more than doubled since 1990, with one in eight people globally being classified as obese according to a study from The Lancet. The study also found undernutrition to be a public health challenge in certain regions, despite a global decrease. The World Health Organization (WHO) argues for the importance of obesity prevention and management, with over 30 governments implementing healthy eating plans, nutrition policies, and integrating obesity services into healthcare among other measures.
Global Obesity Rates Have Doubled Since 1990, Study Reveals
Obesity rates have seen a drastic increase since 1990, with one in 8 people globally now classified as obese. A recent study from The Lancet reveals that more than 1 billion people were living with obesity in 2022.
Undernutrition and Obesity: A Dual Public Health Challenge
The research also highlighted undernutrition as a global public health issue, particularly in Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Pacific and Caribbean islands, and the Middle East and North Africa. In these places, the underweight and obesity rates are alarmingly high.
Childhood Obesity Rate Quadrupled Since 1990
The Lancet study revealed a shocking quadruple increase in obesity among children and adolescents since 1990. It also confirmed that 43 percent of all adults were overweight in 2022.
The Need for Health Nutrition Programs
Both underweight conditions and obesity lead to adverse health outcomes, emphasizing the need for effective interventions. The researchers underline the urgent need for health nutrition programs, such as food assistance subsidies, vouchers for healthier foods, and free school meals for children.
Improving access to healthy foods is crucial, considering the increase in poverty and food costs since the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war. These factors make nutrient-rich foods less accessible.
WHO’s Crucial Role in Fighting Obesity
The World Health Organization (WHO) participated in data collection and analysis for the study. WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the importance of managing and preventing obesity from early life to adulthood.
According to Tedros, achieving global obesity reduction targets requires the combined efforts of governments, communities, and health agencies. The private sector’s cooperation is also vital, considering its influence on health outcomes through product offerings. See his full statement here.
Obesity: A Global Chronic Disease
WHO classifies obesity as a chronic disease requiring interventions like diet, physical activity, and adequate care. The global organization revealed that over 30 governments are trying to curb obesity through various measures including healthy eating support, regulation of harmful marketing of food, nutrition policies in schools, fiscal and pricing policies, nutrition labeling, integration of obesity services in healthcare, and promotion of healthy eating and physical activity in public education.
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