Lancet study reveals over 1 billion affected by obesity worldwide

A recent study published by the Lancet has unveiled alarming statistics, indicating that over 1 billion individuals worldwide are grappling with obesity as of 2022. 

This figure highlights the profound global health challenge posed by excessive weight gain.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), overweight and obesity refer to the abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat, posing health risks. 

Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 25 are classified as overweight, while those with a BMI surpassing 30 are categorized as obese.

Rapid surge in obesity rates

Since 1990, the prevalence of obesity among adults has more than doubled on a global scale. 

- Advertisement -

The escalation is even more pronounced among children and adolescents aged 5 to 19, with rates quadrupling during the same period. 

Furthermore, the study discloses that a substantial 43 per cent of adults were classified as overweight in the year 2022, compounding concerns over the burgeoning weight issues across diverse demographics.

Persisting challenges of undernutrition

While the study underscores the escalating obesity crisis, it also sheds light on the persistent challenges of undernutrition, particularly prevalent in regions such as South-East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. 

Despite strides in addressing undernutrition, it remains a formidable public health obstacle, warranting concerted efforts to mitigate its impacts.

Island nations and Middle Eastern countries bear the brunt

Of notable concern are island nations in the Pacific and the Caribbean, alongside territories in the Middle East and North Africa, which exhibit the highest combined rates of underweight and obesity. 

This juxtaposition underscores the complex interplay of malnutrition in various forms, encompassing undernutrition, insufficient vitamin or mineral intake, as well as overweight and obesity.

Dire consequences of malnutrition

The dire consequences of malnutrition are multifaceted. 

Undernutrition, including wasting, stunting, and underweight conditions, is identified as a significant contributor to approximately half of all deaths among children under 5 years old. 

Conversely, obesity is closely linked to the development of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, and certain cancers, exacerbating the burden on global healthcare systems.

Urgent call for action

In response to the grim findings, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizes the imperative of preventive measures and holistic management of obesity from early life stages to adulthood. 

Dr. Tedros notes that dietary interventions, physical activity promotion, and access to adequate healthcare services are needed in combating the obesity epidemic. 

Moreover, he stresses the necessity for collaborative efforts between governments, communities, and private sector entities, emphasizing the accountability of corporations for the health impacts of their products.

More Stories

Broward Health

Broward Health unveils state-of-the-art interventional radiology lab

Broward Health Medical Center has officially opened its new interventional radiology lab, marking a major advancement in medical imaging and minimally invasive procedures. The facility...
Barbados to host 69th CARPHA

Barbados to host 69th CARPHA Health Research Conference focused on mental health

Barbados will host the 69th Annual Health Research Conference of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) from May 7 to 9, with a...
eat healthier Caribbean food

March is National Nutrition Month: 5 simple ways to eat healthier

March is National Nutrition Month, a perfect time to focus on eating better and making healthier choices. For Caribbean people and Caribbean-Americans, food is...
Broward Health

Broward Health unveils state-of-the-art Advanced Training Simulation Lab

Broward Health has officially opened its new Advanced Training Simulation Lab at Broward Health Medical Center, marking a significant step forward in medical training...
Bermuda investigating possible case of measles

Measles resurgence in North America sparks concern for the Caribbean

Public health officials in the U.S. are raising alarms as measles resurges in North America, with rising cases reported in the United States, Canada,...
measles

PAHO issues measles alert amid rising cases in the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an urgent epidemiological alert following a sharp increase in measles cases across the Americas, including concerns...
obesity Caribbean

Caribbean nations join PAHO’s initiative to combat obesity crisis

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is collaborating with nine countries in the Americas, including three from the Caribbean—Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Panama—in...
Dr. Tiffany Fagan-Carpenter Jamaica

Low literacy levels in Jamaica fuel public health crisis, warns expert

Health illiteracy is posing a severe threat to public health in Jamaica and across the wider Caribbean, limiting people's ability to understand and apply...
HIV programs

New report highlights impact of US aid cuts on Caribbean HIV programs

According to a new UNAIDS report, U.S. funding cuts are causing significant disruptions to HIV treatment and prevention programs in multiple countries, including those...
PAHO Secures Millions in Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technology for the Americas

PAHO secures millions in vaccines, medicines, and health technology for the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has announced a significant increase in its Regional Revolving Funds, which assist countries across the Americas, including the...

Latest Articles

Skip to content