Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, May 23: In what is being termed a global wake-up call, a startling report by the Lancet Commission has projected that by 2030, nearly 500 million adolescents worldwide could be living with obesity or being overweight — a crisis that could result in widespread physical and mental health complications among the world’s youth.

The international study paints a worrying picture of rising obesity levels among 10 to 24-year-olds, attributing the trend to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and increased screen time.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is no longer restricted to high-income nations but is rapidly spreading across low- and middle-income countries, posing a threat not only to individuals but to healthcare systems globally.

The report forecasts that 464 million adolescents will suffer from obesity or overweight conditions by 2030 — a staggering 143 million increase since 2015. The surge is especially evident in high-income countries, Latin America, North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, where more than one-third of this age group is already affected.

Furthermore, the study claims that by 2030, half of the global adolescent population will live in countries plagued by preventable health risks like HIV/AIDS, early pregnancies, depression, and nutritional deficiencies.

Medically, obesity is defined as excessive fat accumulation that presents a health risk, often diagnosed when a person’s Body Mass Index (BMI) reaches 30 or above. It is a chronic condition that significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and mental health disorders.

The report underscores a sharp decline in adolescent mental health, exacerbated by climate change threats. It warns that today’s youth will be the first generation to live their entire lives under the impact of global warming, potentially exposing 1.9 billion adolescents to climate-induced risks like food and water insecurity and heat-related illnesses by the year 2100.
Despite some positive changes — such as a decline in smoking and alcohol consumption among youths, and more engagement in education and work — the study notes that progress is being stalled by the Covid-19 pandemic and lack of government funding.

Professor Sarah Baird, co-chair of the Lancet Commission, stressed the need for urgent investment in adolescent health. “Without political will, policy measures, and financial support, large numbers of adolescents will grow up with poor health,” she cautioned.

Fighting Obesity: A Multidimensional Approach

Experts recommend a holistic strategy to tackle obesity that includes:

• Nutritional education and healthy eating habits emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Daily physical activity such as walking, cycling, or sports to maintain a healthy weight.

• Mental health support to address emotional and behavioral issues contributing to weight gain.

• Public awareness campaigns to promote lifestyle changes from a young age.

As the world grapples with the dual burden of non-communicable diseases and climate change, the Lancet Commission’s findings stand as a crucial reminder — the health of tomorrow’s adults begins with action today.