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Studies published in The Lancet medical journal have estimated that 380 crore people, or over half of all adults globally, and 74.6 crore people, or a third of all children and adolescents worldwide, will be overweight or obese by 2050.

Highlights of the Report

As of 2021, India already had about 180 million overweight or obese individuals, ranking fourth globally. This includes:

• 81 million men
• 98 million women
• Significant numbers of children and adolescents

By 2050, India is projected to have the second-largest overweight or obese population globally, with:

• Adults (25+ years): 450 million overweight or obese individuals (218 million men and 231 million women).
• Older adolescents (15-24 years): The highest global burden, with over 22 million men and nearly 17 million women.
• Children (5-14 years): Approximately 16 million boys and 14 million girls overweight or obese, making India second only to China.

Health Impacts

The rising obesity rates will have severe health consequences:

• Increased risk of lifestyle diseases: Early onset of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and non-communicable diseases.
• Higher healthcare spending: Increased vulnerability to infections and severe diseases, leading to greater healthcare costs.
• Strain on healthcare systems: Particularly in low- and middle-income countries already dealing with undernutrition and infectious diseases.
• Impact on aging population: Managing obesity-related chronic conditions becomes more complex and costly as populations age.

Economic Impacts

Obesity poses significant economic threats to India:

• Increased healthcare costs for treating obesity-related diseases.
• Potential reduction in India's GDP by 1.57% by 2050, rising to 2.5% by 2060.
• Global economic loss of 2.9% reduction in GDP by 2035, equivalent to a $4 trillion loss.
• Reduced workforce productivity due to obesity-related health issues.

Factors contribute to obesity crisis:

• Dietary shifts: Increased consumption of calorie-dense, processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
• Global food systems: Expansion of multinational food corporations replacing local food systems.
• Urbanization and lifestyle changes: Reduced physical activity due to urbanization, desk-bound jobs, and longer commutes.
• Socioeconomic factors: Rising incomes are creating favorable markets for unhealthy food options.
• Stress and poor sleep: Increased work-related stress, poor sleep patterns, and mental health issues.

Strategies to Combat Obesity

Policy and Public Health Measures

• Protect local food systems through support for local agriculture and traditional food preparation methods.
• Implement taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and other unhealthy food items.
• Launch broader public health campaigns to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles.
• Improve food labeling to provide clearer nutritional information.
• Create built environments that encourage physical activity and access to healthy foods.
• Implement comprehensive school-based programs focusing on nutrition education and physical activity.
• Enforce stricter regulations on advertising and marketing of unhealthy foods, especially to children.
• Develop national-level policies and action plans for obesity prevention and treatment.

Healthcare and Clinical Interventions

• Strengthen healthcare systems to effectively manage and treat obesity and related conditions.
• Establish early detection programs for obesity risk factors.
• Provide personalized care based on new obesity definitions that consider individual needs.
• Consider new-generation GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide.
• Recognize bariatric surgery as a cost-effective long-term intervention.
• Improve training for healthcare professionals in obesity management.
• Implement screening and brief interventions to identify high-risk individuals.

Individual and Lifestyle Changes

• Promote consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Reduce intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, processed foods, refined grains, and red and processed meats.
• Encourage regular physical activity for all age groups.
• Emphasize adequate sleep and stress management techniques.
• Promote mindful eating practices and portion control.

Must Read Articles:

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INDIA'S BURDEN OF RISING OBESITY, THE HEFTY COST TO PAY

LANCET REDEFINE OBESITY BEYOND BMI

Source:

INDIAN EXPRESS

https://t.me/+hJqMV1O0se03Njk9