Projected Rise in Obesity in India: Over 440 Million Affected by 2050

According to a new report by The Lancet, India is projected to have over 440 million overweight or obese individuals by 2050, with significant implications for public health and societal well-being. The analysis highlights that urgent measures are required to combat this health crisis, which will affect both adults and children in the coming decades.

A recent analysis published in The Lancet has projected that by 2050, India may have over 440 million individuals identified as overweight or obese. The study estimates that India could witness 218 million men and 231 million women with weight issues, placing it second globally, just behind China. The United States, Brazil, and Nigeria are anticipated to rank third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.

Researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research, alongside an international team, conducted this study as part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. In 2021, it was reported that nearly half of the global adult population, exceeding one billion men and women aged 25 and older, were classified as overweight or obese. In India specifically, this amounted to around 180 million individuals, comprising 81 million men and 98 million women.

The number of overweight and obese individuals worldwide could escalate to approximately 3.8 billion by 2050, with projections of 1.8 billion men and 1.9 billion women affected. Notably, China, India, and the United States are expected to represent a significant share of this global burden. Additionally, the prevalence of obesity in sub-Saharan Africa is forecasted to rise dramatically, by 254.8%.

The research also details that about 16 million boys and over 14 million girls aged 5-14 in India may be overweight or obese by 2050, positioning India as the second highest globally after China. Furthermore, for the age group 15-24 years, India may have the highest number of cases, with over 22 million men and nearly 17 million women anticipated to be impacted by obesity by that time.

Emmanuela Gakidou, the lead author from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, emphasized that this alarming trend represents a significant societal failure. She noted that the study aims to aid governments and public health organizations in identifying populations experiencing severe obesity burdens who require immediate intervention and tailored prevention strategies. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly advocated for combatting obesity, highlighting its importance for national health in his monthly address.

Obesity, characterized by a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 30, poses serious health risks such as increased susceptibility to metabolic diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and complications affecting bone health and fertility. Experts have begun calling for a reassessment of obesity diagnostic criteria, advocating for the incorporation of other metrics alongside BMI, such as waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. A Lancet Commission report recently proposed establishing two new categories: ‘clinical obesity,’ indicating a chronic illness due to obesity-related organ dysfunction, and ‘pre-clinical obesity,’ which points to health risks associated with high weight without yet manifesting illness.

In summary, the projected rise in obesity rates in India underscores a growing health crisis expected to affect over 440 million people by 2050, positioning the nation second only to China. This trend raises significant health concerns, as obesity is linked to numerous diseases and health issues, necessitating urgent public health interventions. Efforts to redefine obesity measurement criteria may further aid in addressing this pressing challenge.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com