The global obesity pandemic seems certain to grow and grow. The Seattle-based authors of a Lancet article, predict that, by 2050, almost 60% of the planet's human adults will be overweight or obese. These conditions are certain to increase incidences of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, There's, of course, considerable global variation. More than 50% of obese/overweight adults currently live in China, India, the US, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia and Egypt. Incidences are rapidly increasing in children and young people, with major increases forecast in North Africa/the Middle East and Latin America/the Caribbean. This pandemic poses an 'unparalleled threat' of premature deaths, disease and will have a considerable strain on healthcare provision. The World Obesity Federation note that, as usual, poorer countries will feel the worst impacts (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/03/more-than-half-of-adults-worldwide-obese-by-2050-report-says). These predictions take no account of the recent availability of weight-loss drug injections. These, however, are expensive and likely to exacerbate the differences between poorer and richer countries. Even in richer countries, relying on such injections, doesn't seem a healthy option. It seems remarkable that so little has been done, over the last 30 years, to counter the growing obesity crisis. Major food companies must take some of the blame. Politicians have generally proved feeble in their actions/lack of actions.
No comments:
Post a Comment