In a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), researchers have discovered that more than one billion people globally are now grappling with obesity.
This alarming condition is linked to an increased risk of numerous serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
The study, released ahead of World Obesity Day on March 4, sheds light on the escalating crisis. Here are the key findings:
Approximately 880 million adults and 159 million children were living with obesity in 2022. This staggering number represents about one-eighth of the global population.
Over the past three decades, obesity rates among children have quadrupled. For girls worldwide, the obesity rate increased from 1.7% in 1990 to 6.9% in 2022. Boys experienced a similar trend, with an increase from 2.1% to 9.3% over the same period.
Among adults, the prevalence of obesity doubled during the study period. For women, obesity rates worldwide rose from 8.8% to 18.5%, while men saw an increase from 4.8% to 14%.
Simultaneously, rates of people who are underweight fell for both children and adults. This shift means that obesity has become the most common form of malnutrition across many countries worldwide.
Tonga, American Samoa, and Nauru top the list with obesity rates exceeding 60%.
The United Kingdom ranked 87th highest in the world for obesity rates among women and 55th highest for men.
Professor Majid Ezzati, senior author of the study, expressed deep concern about the epidemic of obesity affecting not only adults but also school-age children and adolescents.
He emphasized the need to address both forms of malnutrition—obesity and undernutrition—by improving the availability and affordability of healthy, nutritious foods.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts. Governments, communities, and the private sector must work together to curb obesity through evidence-based policies and accountability for the health impacts of products.
