Obesity rates likely to double by 2030 with highest increases in lower-income countries
New global estimates indicate that more than a billion people worldwide will have obesity by 2030, which is twice the number recorded in 2010. Unfortunately, no country is on track to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of halting obesity by 2025, and the number of people affected is predicted to rise drastically over the next eight years. Specifically, the number of people with obesity is expected to triple in low-income countries compared to 2010. The figures are from the fourth World Obesity Atlas, which was published by the World Obesity Federation.
The rise in obesity has been fastest in low- and middle-income countries. The highest rates of obesity are found in North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and the numbers of people with obesity in Africa are expected to triple, with more women affected than men. The report also states that obesity was a major contributor to Covid-19 deaths. Almost a quarter (22%) of preventable deaths from non-communicable diseases in Africa are attributed to being from overweight.
Dr. Adelheid Onyango, from the WHO’s regional office for Africa, noted that undernutrition remains a significant problem across the continent, but the growing problem of obesity cannot be ignored. The region has weak policies and regulatory systems concerning processed, high-fat, and sugary foods, which contributes to the problem of obesity.
The World Obesity Atlas also ranked countries in terms of their preparedness for obesity, including their health systems. High-income countries are the most prepared, while lower middle- and low-income countries are the least prepared, increasing concerns about the impact of obesity on already vulnerable populations.
More than 150 health experts and advocates have written to health ministers calling for an international action plan to tackle obesity. The World Obesity Federation’s chief executive, Johanna Ralston, said political and health leaders must recognise the severity of the situation and take decisive and people-centred action to address the issue.
One of the greatest challenges being faced is that most health care providers like physicians have not yet recognized obesity as a disease. Reason why someone with a BMI of 35kg/m2 will be discharged from the hospital with a diagnosis of malaria and nothing mentioned about his or her weight status for preventive measures to be given. If it is not in the diagnosis definitely no education will be given also on prevention and better management. We need to unit our voices for health care providers to include it in their list of diseases for better follow up.
Thank you for your comment, Takwe! Obesity and weight management certainly need to be taken into consideration in all health matters. Education on obesity and obesity care is certainly part of that solution.