Studies show that one in eight people around the world is obese, and the rate has more than doubled since 1990.
according to new research According to The Lancet, by 2022 more than 1 billion people worldwide will be living with obesity.
The analysis found that although malnutrition rates have declined around the world, they remain a public health challenge in many places, particularly in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Pacific and Caribbean island nations, the Middle East and North Africa had the highest combined rates of underweight and obesity.
Since 1990, obesity among children and adolescents has more than quadrupled.
According to the study, 43% of all adults were overweight in 2022.
The Lancet noted that both underweight and obesity are associated with negative health outcomes. Researchers said interventions were recommended, but healthy nutrition programs such as food subsidies, healthier food vouchers and free school meals for children were “urgently needed”.
The researchers said: “Improving access to healthy food is especially important as poverty and the price of food, especially nutritious food, have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war. It is important.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) contributed to data collection and analysis for this study. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the study highlights the importance of managing and preventing obesity from childhood to adulthood.
“Getting back on track to achieving the global goal of reducing obesity will require government and community efforts, supported by evidence-based policies from the WHO and national public health agencies,” he said. said. stated in a statement. “Importantly, we need the cooperation of the private sector, and the private sector must be held accountable for the health impacts of its products.”
The WHO classifies obesity as a chronic disease. The cause is “well understood” and interventions such as diet, exercise and appropriate care are needed to “contain the crisis,” the group said.
The international organization helps more than 30 governments implement programs to support healthy eating habits, regulate the harmful marketing of food to children, develop school nutrition policies, develop fiscal and pricing policies, and promote nutritional labeling. He said he is trying to curb obesity through policy development and the integration of obesity services. Creating standards for healthy eating and physical activity in health care and public education.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
