Lifestyle diseases are on the rise, and the scariest among them is obesity. A new study predicts that in little over two decades, almost 260 million people will be overweight or obese. The study published in the medical journal, The Lancet, is one of the first to project how the nation will have an obesity epidemic by 2050. A body mass index BMI over 25 is considered overweight. And over 30 are obese.
The study suggests that 43.1 million children and adolescents and 213 million adults will be overweight according to statistics in 2021; 36.5 million children and adolescents and 172 million adults are overweight.
The prevalence of obesity among US women aged between 15 and 24 has increased faster compared to men between 1990 and 2021. By 2050 obesity in adolescent and adult women could surpass those of men.
The economic burden is significant with obesity-related healthcare costs estimated between dollars 261 billion and $481 billion in 2016. It is an epidemic.
Marie Ng, Affiliate Associate Professor, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington School of Medicine
What influences our food choices?
The social structure and inequalities in society influence agricultural practices and consumption behaviors.
Processed foods undergo cooking, fermentation, drying, and smoking. They have corn and wheat, yet they lack nutrients and fiber. Flavors, preservatives, and additives make such foods palatable and increase their shelf life.
Sugar, salt, and fat change the ingredients, consuming them is an instinct. It causes a transformation of our satiety system and results in overeating and obesity follows.
Cardiac diseases, Type II diabetes, depression, and osteoporosis are the other consequences.
Variety of fruits and vegetables of all significant colors.
Legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Whole grains over refined grains.
Restricting meat and dairy products to moderate amounts
Consuming sugar content accounts for less than 10% of total energy intake.
Salt intake restriction to less than 5% per day.
No processed foods and those high in salt, sugar, and additives as snacks.
Clean, fresh water instead of alcohol, sodas, and beverages.
Reference:
1. Ng, Marie, et al. "National-Level and State-Level Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Children, Adolescents, and Adults in the USA, 1990–2021, and Forecasts Up to 2050." The Lancet, 2024. Accessed November 26, 2024. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01548-4/fulltext.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Swati Sharma/MSM)
