02 March 2025
Addis Ababa, Ethiopiá – One in eight people around the world are now classified as obese, according to a new study published in The Lancet. This figure represents a more than twofold increase since 1990, with over 1 billion individuals projected to be living with obesity by 2022.
While the study acknowledges a decrease in global malnutrition, it emphasizes the ongoing challenge of food shortages in specific regions, particularly Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Conversely, islands and countries in the Pacific, Caribbean, Middle East, and North Africa have witnessed higher rates of overweight and obesity.
The research reveals a particularly concerning trend in children and adolescents, where obesity rates have quadrupled since 1990. By 2022, the study predicts that nearly half of all adults (43%) will be classified as obese.
The Lancet Research Center highlights the adverse health outcomes associated with both underweight and overweight individuals.
Furthermore, the study acknowledges the challenges posed by the post-pandemic world and the war in Ukraine, which have made access to nutrient-rich foods more difficult for many.
The World Health Organization (WHO), a contributor to the data collection and analysis, emphasizes the importance of controlling and preventing obesity from a young age. Notably, the WHO classifies obesity as a chronic disease.
This study serves as a stark reminder of the growing global obesity crisis and the need for immediate action to promote healthy eating habits and encourage physical activity across all age groups.
