Updated estimates from the World Health Organization and a group of international researchers have revealed that over one billion people globally are now considered obese, a condition linked to an increased risk of many serious health problems. Obesity has become so widespread that it is now more common than underweight in most countries, including many low- and middle-income nations that previously struggled with malnutrition.
Majid Ezzati, the lead researcher of the study published in The Lancet on Thursday, and a professor at Imperial College London, stated, "A staggering number of people are obese." These findings, regarded as some of the most reliable independent estimates, are based on data from over 220 million people across more than 190 countries.
Ezzati noted that "while obesity rates have stabilized in many wealthy countries, they are rising rapidly elsewhere. Although underweight has become less common worldwide, it still represents a significant problem in many countries, leaving an increasing number of nations facing what is known as the 'dual burden' of malnutrition."
The study reported that adult obesity rates increased more than twofold between 1990 and 2022, and more than fourfold among children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years. It also found that during the same period, the proportion of girls, boys, and adults considered underweight declined by one-fifth, one-third, and one-half, respectively.
Ezzati described the rising obesity rates among children as "very concerning." At the same time, he emphasized that hundreds of millions lack sufficient food. Severe underweight can harm child growth and, in severe cases, lead to starvation. Additionally, individuals with obesity are also at risk of premature death and disability due to their association with early onset of diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and a number of other serious health conditions.
