United States: The issue of obesity and overweight has reached a critical stage because of a “monumental societal failure” to address the problem adequately as both adults and children and young people will surpass half and one-third respectively by 2050 according to research.
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The experts at the Lancet reported data showing that there are 3.8 billion adults and 746 million children, along with adolescents.
Individuals who suffer from obesity develop a greater likelihood of severe health conditions, including diabetes, together with specific cancer types and heart disease.
According to the lead author, Professor Emmanuela Gakidou from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in the US, “The unprecedented global epidemic of overweight and obesity is a profound tragedy and a monumental social failure,” Reuters reported.
Using data from 204 countries and territories, the Global Burden of Disease Study BMI Collaborators developed their assessment while making predictions about future obesity rates without intervention.
What more are the experts stating?
Epidemiological data shows that overweight and obesity numbers have doubled since the 1990s, which now affects more than 2 billion adults together with 493 million children and young people aged 5-24 years old, according to 2021 statistics.
The government ought to apply these analytical findings to target obesity assistance for vulnerable population groups, according to researchers who are concerned about diet accessibility.
The Gates Foundation-sponsored study encountered two main limitations because it lacked complete data and primarily depended on body mass index assessment.
The study overlooked how obesity medications affect populations since these drugs generate significant interest in regions where they can be obtained, according to the researchers.
Research findings show diverse situations across countries, yet the scientists identified two major concerns stemming from quick increases in youth obesity alongside growing health system limitations in developing nations.
The projection indicates that sub-Saharan Africa will experience a 250 percent increase in the number of overweight and obese people.
An increasing number of 522 million adults and 200 million children and young people with obesity has emerged due to population growth.
Who are the most affected?
According to Simon Barquera, president of the Federation, “The most affected regions are developing countries,” Reuters reported.
“It’s really one of the main public health challenges around the world,” Barquera continued.