The Lancet released a pioneering study with concerning findings indicating that the global obesity pandemic has deteriorated dramatically since 1990, impacting over 1 billion people.
The World Health Organization (WHO) supports considerable data indicating a concerning trend: the prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents (ages 5-19) has quadrupled. At the same time, it has more than doubled among adults. The survey also found that 43% of people were overweight in 2022.Â
Although global undernutrition rates have been dropping, the Lancet report emphasizes that undernutrition remains an issue, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia.
When both underweight and obesity were combined, the majority of Middle Eastern and African countries, as well as Pacific and Caribbean Island nations, had the highest rates. Â
Malnutrition is a severe problem in global health that includes undernutrition, a lack of vitamins or minerals, being overweight, and obesity. Undernutrition is the leading cause of mortality in children under the age of five. In contrast, obesity is linked to noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and a variety of cancers. Â
The World Health Organization, as part of the research team, has been collecting and analyzing data, and the entire dataset is now available to the public via the Global Health Observatory.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizes the importance of obesity prevention and control strategies such as good diet, regular exercise, and access to medical care. Â
In his statement, Dr. Tedros underlined the need to “prevent and manage obesity from early childhood to adulthood, through diet, physical activity, and adequate care, as needed.” The significance of this recent study cannot be emphasized.
It will be up to governments and communities to get back on track and meet the global goals for obesity reduction. The World Health Organization and national public health agencies can offer evidence-based solutions.
Crucially, it requires the engagement of the business sector, which must accept responsibility for the consequences of its products on people’s health. Â
We know what causes obesity, and effective therapies exist since it is a complex chronic problem. Even if this is understood, practical steps are not always implemented globally.
In view of the growing problem of obesity, the World Health Assembly adopted the World Health Organization’s Acceleration Plan in 2022. Currently, 31 countries are leading steps to implement the plan and decrease the obesity pandemic by 2030. Â
The plan’s primary interventions include:Â
- Public education and awareness campaigns.Â
- The implementation of school food and nutrition policies.Â
- The regulation of food and beverage marketing to children.Â
- The adoption of nutrition labeling policies.Â
- The regulation of school physical activity standards.Â
- The regulation of school food and pricing.Â
- The implementation of fiscal and pricing policies to encourage healthy diets.Â
- The launch of public education campaigns. Â
Dr. Francesco Branca, co-author of the research and Director of the World Health Organization’s Nutrition and Food Safety Department, acknowledged the difficulty in adopting legislation that ensures everyone has affordable access to healthy food.
He believes that environments promoting physical activity and well-being should be prioritized. Dr. Branca also emphasized the need for nations to include obesity prevention and control in their universal healthcare systems. Â
The Lancet report highlights the world’s growing obesity pandemic. We must work together quickly to implement scientifically proven therapies, promote healthy lives, and hold everyone accountable for their role in reversing this troubling trend.
To secure a healthy future for future generations, the findings emphasize the significance of a coordinated, multisectoral effort to combat malnutrition and obesity. Â
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