Over half of all adults and more than a third of children, teenagers and young adults around the world are predicted to become overweight or obese by 2050.
The findings are provided in a new study of global data published on Rancet Journal covers over 200 countries.
Researchers warn that obesity levels are projected to accelerate rapidly over the remainder of the decade, especially in low-income countries.
But experts say there is still time to prevent what they call “deep tragedy” if the government is taking urgent action now.
By 2021, almost half of the world’s adult population (1 billion men and 1.1 billion women over the age of 25) were overweight or obese.
The proportion of both men and women living with these circumstances has doubled since 1990.
If the trend continues, by 2050, the global proportion of adults who are overweight and obese among men will rise to around 57.4% and 60.3% for women.
As for raw numbers, China (627 million), India (450 million), and the US (224 million) will be the nations with the largest population of overweight or obese people in 2050.
However, population growth means that forecasters predict that sub-Saharan Africa’s number will increase by more than 250%, with over 522 million.
Nigeria in particular stands out, with forecasts more than tripled. It will range from 36.6 million in 2021 to 141 million in 2050.
The authors acknowledge that this study does not take into account the possible effects of new weight loss medications and can play an important role in the future.
Experts say if the government is currently taking urgent action, there is still time to prevent what could be a disaster for a vulnerable health system.
The study was led by Professor Emmanuela Gakido of the Institute for Health Indicators and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, USA.
She said:”[Governments] We can use certain estimates from our country. The current and predicted timing of weight transitions, and predicted speed, identify preferred populations experiencing the greatest burden of obesity requiring immediate intervention and treatment.
“Unprecedented global pandemic and obesity are a profound tragedy and monumental social failure,” she added.
There is a surge in obesity rates currently occurring, especially among young people.
Between 1990 and 2021, more than doubled the obesity rate (people under 25) among children and young teenagers (8.8% to 18.1%) and young adults (people under 25) has more than doubled.
However, by 2050, one in three will be affected.
The report co-starring author, Dr. Jessica Kerr of Australia’s Murdoch Children’s Institute, says the numbers present real challenges for the healthcare system in the coming years.
“But if we act now, it is still possible to prevent the complete transition to global obesity for children and adolescents,” she said.
“Our estimates identify children and adolescents in most Europe and South Asia living with overweight, which should target obesity prevention strategies.
“We have identified Latin America, Australia, Oceania, North Africa, the Middle East, particularly adolescent girls, especially adolescent girls, and Latin America, where urgent multifaceted interventions and treatment are expected to be needed in favor of obesity.
“This is essential to avoid intergenerational transmission of obesity and prevent the severe health and waves of future generations of health and disastrous economic and social costs.”
