ISLAMABAD: The world is commemorating World Obesity Day today, drawing attention to the staggering rise in obesity rates across the globe. The prevalence of obesity has reached unprecedented levels and poses a significant health risk to more than a billion people, according to research published in the British journal ‘The Lancet’.
An international team of scientists highlights the urgent need for changes in how obesity is tackled as it has become a pervasive public health crisis. Obesity not only increases the risk of life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, but also contributes to countless other health complications.
Data from 2022 reveals that approximately 88 million adults and 159 million children worldwide are affected by obesity. The study sheds light on differences in obesity rates between countries, with factors such as age playing a significant role. Notably, the United States ranks 10th for men and 36th for women in obesity rates, while India ranks 19th for women and 21st for men, and China ranks 11th for women and 52nd. in men.
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Dr Guha Pradeepa, co-author of the study, said obesity is a serious global problem. “Climate change, the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and increased poverty and rising food prices are exacerbating obesity and underweight rates,” he said. World Obesity Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need for joint efforts to fight obesity and promote healthier lifestyles around the world.
