More Than Half of World Population Expected to Be Overweight or Obese by 2050
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Health
March 4, 2025 10:33
london - Global obesity rates are projected to skyrocket, leading to a surge in health issues and healthcare challenges.
Alarming Projection for 2050
A recent study warns that by 2050, over half of the world's population will be overweight or obese, posing a significant threat to public health systems.
The current global obesity figures stand at 2.1 billion adults and 493 million children, with a projected increase of over 100% in the coming decades. Professor Emmanueala Gakidou from the University of Washington describes the situation as a looming 'tragedy'.
China, India, the US (172 million), Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, and surprisingly Egypt (41 million) have the highest rates of overweight individuals. Researchers note a concerning trend of childhood obesity, with newer generations showing higher obesity rates at an earlier age than previous ones.
Comparing obesity rates between those born in 1960 and 1990 reveals a drastic increase from 7% to 25% in developed countries, indicating a concerning trajectory.