In a historic declaration, obesity has been identified as a more significant health threat than hunger, impacting one billion people worldwide.
A comprehensive study reveals that approximately 159 million children and adolescents, along with 879 million adults, are classified as obese, signifying one in eight individuals facing this health crisis.
Global Obesity Trends: Rates Quadrupled Among Youngsters, Doubled Among Adults
Researchers uncover alarming trends, indicating a quadrupling of obesity rates among youngsters globally from 1990 to 2022.
Among adults, rates more than doubled during the same period. The Lancet medical journal publishes the study, emphasizing that obesity is now the predominant form of malnutrition in numerous countries.
US Obesity Statistics: Striking Numbers, Urgent Need for Change
While the United States is often perceived as the world’s most obese country, its 139 million obese population is overshadowed by China’s 200 million and India’s 350 million.
The study ranks the US 10th highest for men and 36th highest for women out of 190 countries. Urgent calls for substantial changes in addressing obesity arise as the epidemic raises serious health concerns.
Health Risks of Obesity: Increased Rates Linked to Serious Conditions
The study underscores the urgent need for action as obesity elevates the risk of severe health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
The obesity rate among American adults has surged, with men experiencing the world’s third-greatest increase during the past two decades.
Global Impact: Doubling of Obesity Rates in Women, Tripled in Men
Globally, obesity rates have more than doubled in women, nearly tripled in men, and quadrupled in girls and boys from 1990 to 2022.
The research team stresses the critical importance of enhancing the availability and affordability of healthy, nutritious foods to address both forms of malnutrition.
Island Nations at Risk: Unhealthy Diets and Marketing Campaigns
Island nations, including Tonga, American Samoa, Polynesia, Micronesia, Cook Islands, and Niue, face the highest prevalence of obesity.
Unhealthy food availability, marketing campaigns promoting unhealthy choices, and the popularity of cheap, fatty imports like mutton flaps contribute to soaring obesity rates in these regions.
Global Underweight Statistics: Over 500 Million People Affected
As of 2022, approximately 532 million people globally are underweight, including 183 million women, 164 million men, 77 million girls, and 108 million boys.
Eritrea and Timor-Leste top the list for women, while Eritrea and Ethiopia lead for men in terms of the highest prevalence of underweight.
Research Methodology: Collaboration and BMI Measurements
The study, conducted by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration in collaboration with the World Health Organization, analyzes data from over 3,000 population studies involving 222 million people.
Body mass index (BMI) measurements, despite imperfections, were utilized to comprehend global changes in obesity and underweight over three decades.
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