New Delhi, March 4 – India is projected to have over 440 million overweight and obese individuals by 2050, making it the second-highest globally, following China. A comprehensive global analysis published in The Lancet journal, part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, has raised concerns over the rising obesity crisis in the country.
India’s Growing Obesity Burden
According to the study, India’s overweight and obese population could reach 218 million men and 231 million women by mid-century. The United States, Brazil, and Nigeria are also expected to experience significant increases, ranking third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.Currently, almost half of the world's adults—one billion men and over one billion women aged 25 and above—were overweight or obese in 2021. In India, the number stood at 180 million people, including 81 million men and 98 million women.
However, by 2050, the global figure is expected to rise dramatically to 3.8 billion (1.8 billion men and 1.9 billion women), accounting for more than half of the projected global adult population at that time.
Childhood and Young Adult Obesity: A Looming Crisis
India’s obesity burden extends to its younger population as well. The study estimates that by 2050:- 16 million boys and 14 million girls aged 5-14 years could be overweight or obese, making India the second-highest after China.
- In the 15-24 age group, India is expected to lead the world, with 22 million men and nearly 17 million women affected by obesity.
Global and Regional Trends
While China, India, and the US will continue to hold a major share of the global overweight and obese population, sub-Saharan Africa is forecasted to experience the most rapid increase, with a 254.8% surge by 2050.Lead author Emmanuela Gakidou from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington, described the obesity epidemic as a "profound tragedy and a monumental societal failure." She emphasized that these findings should help governments prioritize populations at the highest risk and take proactive intervention measures.
Government Response and Health Implications
The alarming statistics come shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need to tackle obesity in his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address on February 23. He stressed the importance of a fit and healthy nation, underlining the need for urgent action against obesity.Obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of over 30, is linked to severe health complications, including:
- Increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases
- Weakened bone health and fertility issues
- Higher susceptibility to cancer
Rethinking Obesity Measurement
Recent expert recommendations highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to obesity measurement. In January, a Lancet Commission report called for revising obesity diagnosis methods beyond BMI, suggesting waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio as more accurate indicators.The report proposed two new categories:
- Clinical Obesity – A chronic condition due to obesity-related organ dysfunction.
- Pre-Clinical Obesity – An increased health risk without immediate illness.
The Way Forward
With obesity rates rising at an alarming pace, India needs urgent interventions in public health policies, dietary regulations, and lifestyle awareness programs to mitigate this crisis. The study’s findings underscore the critical need for preventive strategies, including promoting healthy eating habits, physical activity, and early screening measures.As the nation moves towards 2050, addressing obesity must become a top public health priority to prevent long-term economic and healthcare burdens.
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