Over a Billion Individuals are obese Globally

Global analysis indicates that over one billion people worldwide are now considered obese.

A recent study in The Lancet journal reveals that in 2022, 879 million adults and 159 million children were classified as obese, according to the analysis.

Recent findings in the UK reveal that approximately 16.8 million individuals are affected by obesity. This includes eight million women, 7.4 million men, 760,000 boys, and 590,000 girls.

The research was carried out by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, a global network of health scientists, in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

According to the data, obesity rates among children and adolescents increased four times from 1990 to 2022, while rates among adults more than doubled.

At the same time, the research also showed a decrease in the number of underweight children and adolescents, with a more than 50% decrease among adults globally.

According to the researchers, obesity is now the most prevalent type of malnutrition in numerous countries.

Professor Majid Ezzati from Imperial College London expressed deep concern over the rise of obesity among children and adolescents, mirroring the epidemic seen in adults in 1990.

Meanwhile, a large number of people continue to suffer from undernutrition, especially in the most impoverished regions of the globe.

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“In order to effectively address both types of malnutrition, it is crucial to enhance the accessibility and affordability of healthy, nutritious foods.”

In the UK, the percentage of adults classified as obese has risen significantly over the years, with a notable increase in rates for both women and men.

Between 1990 and 2022, the rate increased significantly for both girls and boys in the age group of children and adolescents.

On a global scale, the obesity rate saw a significant increase over the years, with a more than doubled rate in women, nearly tripled in men, and more than quadrupled in girls and boys, from 1990 to 2022.

The regions with the highest rates of obesity are Tonga, American Samoa, Polynesia, Micronesia, Cook Islands, and Niue.

Recent data indicates that worldwide, approximately 532 million individuals are considered underweight, with 183 million being women, 164 million men, 77 million girls, and 108 million boys.

In the UK, approximately 981,000 individuals are considered underweight, with 430,000 being women, 360,000 men, 61,000 girls, and 130,000 boys.

How was the study carried out?

The researchers analysed body mass index (BMI), a measurement derived from weight and height, to examine the global trends in obesity and underweight over a span of thirty years.

The team collected data from over 3,000 population studies involving 222 million individuals.

According to the NHS, adults with a BMI over 30 are classified as obese. Being in the range of 25 to 29.9 indicates being overweight, while falling between 18.5 to 24.9 signifies a healthy weight.

The researchers mentioned that BMI may not always accurately reflect body fat due to muscle mass, but it is commonly used in population-based surveys.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the WHO, emphasised the significance of addressing and controlling obesity from childhood to adulthood by focusing on diet, physical activity, and proper care.

Reaching the global goals to reduce obesity requires collaboration between governments, communities, and evidence-based policies from organisations like WHO and national public health agencies.

“It is crucial to have the private sector’s cooperation and accountability for the health impacts of their products.”

Figures are causing concern among parents and healthcare professionals alike

According to Professor Simon Kenny, the national clinical director for children and young people at NHS England, these statistics will be concerning for both parents and the healthcare system.

Being overweight can impact various organ systems in the body, potentially leading to health issues like type 2 diabetes, cancer, mental health problems, and other illnesses, affecting a child’s quality and length of life.

The NHS is dedicated to assisting numerous young individuals and families impacted by severe weight problems through a new network of 30 specialised clinics. These clinics provide customised packages of physical, psychological, and social support. However, the NHS emphasises the importance of collaborative efforts from various sectors to address this pressing health concern.