Rising global malnutrition: A billion affected by the obesity crisis
Over one billion people across the globe are living with obesity, according to a recent study published in The Lancet journal. The research, carried out by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), shows that obesity rates have quadrupled in kids and teens since 1990, doubled in women, and nearly tripled in men. As underweight prevalence declines, obesity has become the most widespread form of malnutrition in many countries.
Detailed analysis of global malnutrition trends
The study examined weight and height data from over 220 million individuals aged five and up in more than 190 countries to determine how obesity and underweight rates have shifted from 1990 to 2022. Researchers found that the percentage of underweight girls dropped from 10.3% in 1990 to 8.2% in 2022, while for boys, it decreased from 16.7% to 10.8%. The total number of obese children and adolescents skyrocketed to nearly 160 million(2022), up from 31 million (1990).
Obesity rates among adults
Between 1990 and 2022, obesity rates more than doubled for adult women and almost tripled for men. In 2022, an estimated 504 million women and 374 million men were living with obesity, a significant increase from 128 million women and 67 million men in 1990. During the same time frame, the proportion of underweight adults was cut in half. The combined impact of both types of malnutrition grew in most countries between 1990 and 2022, fueled by rising obesity rates.
Expert concerns about the obesity epidemic
Professor Majid Ezzati, the study's senior author from Imperial College London, expressed concern about the obesity epidemic, saying, "It is very concerning that the epidemic of obesity that was evident among adults in much of the world in 1990 is now mirrored in school-aged children and adolescents." Ezzati stressed the need to enhance accessibility and affordability of healthy, nutritious foods to address both forms of malnutrition.
WHO's role in addressing obesity
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of preventing and managing obesity from early life through adulthood with proper diet, physical activity, and care. He urged collaboration from the private sector, which must be held accountable for the health effects of its products. The WHO has advocated for taxes on sugary drinks, restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children, and increased subsidies for healthy foods to combat rising obesity rates.
