Global Obesity Crisis: Over One Billion People Are Obese
Obesity Rates Among Young People Quadrupled Globally, Study Finds
A recent study has revealed jaw-dropping statistics on the global obesity epidemic, particularly among young people. Researchers found that between the years 1990 and 2022, obesity rates among children and adolescents skyrocketed, quadrupling from the previous levels. Additionally, rates among adults more than doubled during the same time period.
On a slightly more positive note, the study also noted a decrease in rates of “wasting” among children and adolescents worldwide, with rates more than halving among adults. However, despite this improvement in one aspect of malnutrition, obesity has now been identified as the most prevalent eating disorder in many countries, as published in the Lancet medical journal.
Professor Majid Ezzati from Imperial College London expressed his concern about the alarming trend, stating, “It is very worrying that the obesity epidemic seen in adults in many parts of the world in 1990 is now also reflected in school-age children and adolescents.”
Addressing the issue of malnutrition, especially in the world’s poorest regions, remains crucial, as hundreds of millions of people still suffer from this condition. To combat both forms of eating disorders effectively, it is essential to prioritize the availability and affordability of healthy, nutritious foods.
The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, emphasized the importance of preventing and managing obesity from an early age to adulthood through proper diet, physical activity, and necessary care. The study underscores the urgent need for global action to address the rising rates of obesity and malnutrition, ensuring a healthier future for all.
