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New Study Shows Global Obesity Rates have Doubled in Last 30 Years

Time to read: 01:21


Published: 4 March 2025

 
On World Obesity Day (4 March), a new study published in The Lancet highlights the alarming rise in obesity and overweight rates, with projections showing that over half of adults and nearly a third of children and young people will be affected by 2050. This equates to more than 3.8 billion adults and 746 million children globally. 
 
The study, conducted by the Global Burden of Disease Study BMI Collaborators, uses data from 204 countries and territories. It reveals that obesity rates have more than doubled in the last 30 years, with over 2.1 billion adults and 493 million young people affected by 2021. 
 
In addition to the rising prevalence, the burden of obesity extends beyond individual health issues, affecting entire healthcare systems, economies, and societies. Obesity strains healthcare systems, increasing demand for medical care and resources. It also results in higher healthcare costs, longer hospital stays, and more frequent medical interventions.
 
The economic impact of obesity is significant, with higher absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased disability rates, particularly in low- and middle-income regions where healthcare systems are already under pressure.

Obesity also drives health inequality, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups, and its social stigma further exacerbates mental health challenges.
 
The projected rise in obesity rates, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is particularly concerning.

In sub-Saharan Africa, obesity rates are expected to increase by 250%. Without urgent action to promote healthier lifestyles and address systemic barriers, obesity will remain a critical global public health challenge, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, healthcare systems, and economies worldwide.
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