Global Obesity Epidemic Surpasses 1 Billion, Study Finds

A new analysis reveals that obesity rates have doubled among adults and quadrupled among children since 1990, with low- and middle-income countries experiencing the most significant increases.

More than 1 billion people globally are now living with obesity, surpassing previous estimates that projected this number would be reached by 2030.
Obesity rates among children and adolescents worldwide have quadrupled from 1990 to 2022, while adult obesity rates more than doubled.
The rapid increase in obesity rates is most pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, with significant rises noted in Polynesia, Micronesia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa.
Public health experts emphasize the need for comprehensive policy interventions to address both obesity and underweight, advocating for changes in food systems, environment, and healthcare.
Highly effective GLP-1 based obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound offer new treatment options, but their high costs and limited availability highlight the importance of preventive measures.