In 2022, an estimated 12.5 million children aged between five and 19 in India were reported to be overweight, as outlined in a comprehensive global analysis featured in The Lancet journal. Among these, approximately 7.3 million were boys, and 5.2 million were girls.
The research, conducted by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores the alarming rise in obesity rates worldwide, with over one billion individuals across different age groups and regions grappling with the condition. Concurrently, the prevalence of underweight individuals has declined since 1990, consolidating obesity as the predominant form of malnutrition globally.
Professor Majid Ezzati, the senior author of the study from Imperial College London, expressed deep concern over the proliferation of obesity among school-aged children and adolescents, echoing the sentiment that urgent measures are required to address both obesity and undernutrition. The study calls for enhanced accessibility and affordability of nutritious foods to combat these twin challenges effectively.
Examining data from more than 220 million individuals spanning over 190 countries, the study reveals a dramatic increase in obesity rates among children, adolescents, and adults from 1990 to 2022. Despite notable progress in reducing underweight prevalence, the burden of malnutrition remains substantial, with obesity emerging as a significant health concern.
The study sheds light on regional disparities in obesity and underweight rates, with South and Southeast Asia experiencing a decline in the double burden of malnutrition. However, external factors such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical conflicts pose additional challenges by exacerbating poverty and food insecurity.
Guha Pradeepa, a co-author of the study from the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, emphasizes the need for comprehensive policies to address these complex issues and create a healthier global environment. The findings underscore the imperative for collaborative efforts between governments, communities, and the private sector to implement evidence-based interventions and mitigate the adverse impacts of malnutrition.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stresses the importance of early intervention and holistic approaches to prevent and manage obesity, emphasizing the role of diet, physical activity, and healthcare services. He calls for concerted action from all stakeholders, including governments, public health agencies, and the private sector, to achieve the global targets for curbing obesity and promoting public health.
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