Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Alick Ponje
Published on 2024-03-05 07:00:00
A recent study released by the Lancet, a prestigious medical journal, has revealed alarming statistics about the global obesity epidemic. The study shows that more than one billion people worldwide are now living with obesity. With a current world population of eight billion, this means that at least one in eight individuals is obese.
The report highlights a concerning trend in obesity rates, with the number of obese adults more than doubling since 1990 and quadrupling among children and adolescents aged between five and 19 years. In 2022, 43 percent of adults were classified as overweight, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite progress in reducing undernutrition rates, particularly in regions like South-East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, obesity remains a significant public health challenge.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of addressing obesity prevention and management from an early age through healthy diet, physical activity, and necessary care. He stressed that meeting global targets to combat obesity will require coordinated efforts from governments, communities, and evidence-based policies from organizations like WHO.
The study also sheds light on the situation in specific countries, such as Malawi, where overweight and obesity rates among women are on the rise. Professor Alexander Kalimbira from Lilongwe University of Natural Resources warned of a potential crisis in urban areas by 2030, with the number of overweight and obese individuals reaching one million. Kalimbira highlighted the link between obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), noting that obesity is a significant risk factor for NCDs worldwide.
Malawi’s limited progress towards achieving diet-related NCD targets underscores the urgency of addressing the obesity epidemic. At the 2022 World Health Assembly, member states adopted the WHO acceleration plan to combat obesity, which aims to support country-level actions through 2030. However, implementing policies to ensure affordable access to healthy diets and promote physical activity poses significant challenges, as noted by Francesco Branca, Director of WHO’s Nutrition and Food Safety Department and co-author of the study.
The global obesity crisis calls for a multi-faceted approach involving stakeholders from various sectors, including the private sector, which must be held accountable for the health impacts of their products. Collaboration between governments, communities, and public health agencies is essential to curb the rising tide of obesity and its associated health risks. By prioritizing prevention efforts, advocating for healthy lifestyle choices, and implementing evidence-based policies, we can work towards a healthier future for all.
Read the original article on The Times
