Close to 500 million young adults will be obese by 2030: Lancet study

In a world where recreational activities mostly include increased screen time, obesity becomes the obvious consequence. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity worldwide, impacting both individuals and healthcare systems. As per the WHO, obesity is widely considered a global epidemic and it is not limited to high-income countries; it's a growing problem in low- and middle-income nations as well.

While obesity is associated with a range of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, the economic burden of obesity is substantial, with projected global costs reaching trillions of dollars annually.

Now, as per a recent analysis published by the Lancet Commission, nearly 500 million adolescents globally are estimated to be obese and face several health and mental disorders by 2030.


Read on to know more.


What does the study say?

An international report highlights alarming trends among adolescents, projecting that nearly half a billion young people worldwide will experience obesity or overweight by 2030, while 1 billion are at risk of preventable health issues.

Despite a significant decline in adolescent mortality rates over the past two decades, the analysis suggests that in five years, at least half of the global population aged 10 to 24 will reside in countries where preventable health problems—such as HIV/AIDS, early pregnancy, depression, and inadequate nutrition—pose serious threats to their health and well-being.


What is obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition defined by excessive fat accumulation in the body, posing a health risk. It's often associated with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. Obesity is considered a chronic disease that can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.


The ‘scary’ statistics:

According to forecasts from the Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing, 464 million adolescents will be living with obesity or overweight, an increase of 143 million since 2015. This rising trend is particularly prevalent in high-income nations, Latin America, and the Caribbean, as well as North Africa and the Middle East, where over one-third of individuals in this age group are affected.


The findings:

The report also indicates a substantial decline in the mental health of young people, compounded by emerging threats related to climate change. The authors highlighted that today's adolescents are the first generation to experience the full impacts of global warming throughout their lives, which could lead to significant health risks by 2100, including heat-related illnesses and food and water insecurity affecting 1.9 billion adolescents.

“Today’s adolescents are the first cohort of humans who will live their entire life experiencing the growing reverberations of climate change,” the authors noted.

While some progress is noted in areas such as substance misuse—where smoking and alcohol consumption among 10 to 24-year-olds have decreased across all regions—and a reduction in the number of young individuals not engaged in education, work, or training, the report asserts that advancements have been hindered by the Covid-19 pandemic and inadequate funding.

The report concluded, “Without political will, policy initiatives and financial investment … large numbers of adolescents will grow up with poor health.”


Experts’ takes:

Professor Sarah Baird from George Washington University, co-chair of the Lancet commission, emphasized the urgency of investing in the health and well-being of adolescents to secure a better future. The report warns that without strong political will, effective policy measures, and financial support, many adolescents may grow up facing poor health conditions.


How to fight obesity?

To effectively tackle obesity, a multifaceted approach focusing on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes is essential.

This includes adopting a healthy and clean eating plan with a focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, while limiting sugary beverages and processed foods. Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, is also crucial for burning calories and improving overall health. Additionally, addressing underlying behavioral and emotional factors can play a significant role in achieving long-term weight management.

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