More than 1,500 scientists from around the world examined health data and arrived at a sobering conclusion: the total number of people who are obese, spanning children, teens, and adults, surpasses 1 billion. This assessment appears in an analytical report published in a leading scientific journal, indicating a turning point in how nations confront nutrition and public health.
Across the globe, obesity rates among children and adolescents have risen sharply, increasing fourfold from 1990 to 2022. This rapid change shows that what begins as excess weight in youth often extends into adulthood, creating a cycle that is hard to break without comprehensive strategies. The study highlights that what was once mainly an adult issue has migrated to younger populations, affecting schools, families, and communities everywhere.
Among adults, the data reveal divergent trends by gender: women have seen more than a doubling of obesity rates, while men have approached a near tripling. In 2022, the global tally stood at 159 million children and adolescents and 879 million adults living with obesity. Breaking down the adult numbers, approximately 504 million women and 374 million men were classified as obese, underscoring a gendered dimension to the obesity epidemic that requires targeted policy and public health responses.
Geographically, the burden of both underweight and obesity remains uneven. The Pacific and Caribbean regions, together with the Middle East and North Africa, reported some of the highest rates in 2022. This geographic skew points to a mix of persistent malnutrition, urbanization, changes in dietary patterns, and disparities in access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities.
Commenting on the findings, the study’s senior author, Professor Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London, stressed the urgency of action. He noted that the obesity trend, which had already been evident among adults in many parts of the world by 1990, has now touched school-aged children and adolescents. The implication is clear: strategies must address both overnutrition and undernutrition simultaneously. A central part of the solution is expanding the availability of nutritious foods and reducing barriers to healthy eating across all ages. These insights echo concerns raised by global health bodies about the double burden of malnutrition and the need for integrated nutrition policies that support sustainable dietary changes.
In exploring these questions, researchers emphasize that weight management is not simply a matter of individual choice. It is influenced by a complex network of factors, including food environments, cultural norms, economic conditions, and the built environment. Successful programs often combine fiscal measures, school-based nutrition, community physical activity opportunities, and clearer labeling to help people make informed choices. The report also calls for robust surveillance to monitor trends and to evaluate the impact of interventions over time.
Looking ahead, health authorities, educators, and communities must collaborate to reduce obesity while continuing to address malnutrition where it persists. Achieving this balance means promoting affordable, healthy foods, supporting physical activity in daily life, and ensuring that health systems can identify and assist those at risk. The study reinforces a simple truth: protecting the health of future generations requires bold, coordinated action that blends nutrition science, public policy, and everyday practical changes.
Researchers also note that ongoing investigations into weight loss medications and lifestyle programs should be viewed in the context of overall physical activity and dietary patterns. While pharmacological options can play a role for some individuals, they are not a substitute for sport, movement, and healthier food choices. Programs that encourage active living, accessible fitness opportunities, and sustainable eating habits are essential components of any long-term strategy to curb obesity globally.
In sum, the global obesity crisis demands immediate and sustained attention from policymakers, healthcare providers, educators, and communities. By expanding access to nutritious foods, supporting physical activity, and implementing evidence-based policies, societies can reduce risk factors and improve health outcomes for people of all ages. The Lancet study underscores the scale of the challenge and provides a framework for action that resonates across regions and generations. (Lancet study, 2023)