According to a public statement from the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has significantly expanded its reach since 1990. Among adults, the condition has more than doubled, while among children and adolescents it has quadrupled. By global estimates, more than a billion people are affected by obesity and its related health challenges.
A recent Lancet study projects that over a billion people worldwide could face obesity by 2022. The researchers note that since 1990, obesity rates have more than doubled in adults and quadrupled among youths aged 5 to 19. The report also forecasts that by 2022, approximately 43 percent of adults will be classified as overweight, highlighting a persistent trend across diverse regions.
The study identifies regional patterns, indicating that the highest rates of underweight and obesity in 2022 are concentrated in Pacific island nations, Caribbean economies, and areas spanning the Middle East and North Africa. These disparities underscore the complex interplay of nutrition, culture, economic development, and access to health services across different populations.
A statement from WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasizes a twofold approach to tackling obesity: prevention in early childhood and sustained management in adulthood. Key strategies include improving dietary quality, increasing physical activity, and ensuring access to appropriate medical care. Achieving global obesity targets requires coordinated action from governments, communities, and health authorities, supported by evidence-based policies. The statement also calls for involvement from the private sector, recognizing its role and accountability in shaping products and practices that affect public health.
In related health news, researchers have challenged the notion of a clear link between asthma and severe Covid-19 in children. Ongoing investigations continue to illuminate how respiratory conditions interact with viral infections, guiding clinicians toward better prevention and treatment approaches.