More than a billion people obese worldwide, research suggests | BBC News

BBC News

1 Mar 202402:28

Summary

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Q & A

What proportion of the world's population is currently classified as obese?
-Approximately one in eight people worldwide, which is over one billion individuals, are now classified as obese.
How have obesity rates changed in the UK over the last 30 years?
-Obesity rates in the UK have doubled over the last 30 years.
What method do researchers use to measure obesity in populations?
-Researchers use Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated from a person’s height and weight, to determine if someone is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
How has childhood and teenage obesity changed globally since 1990?
-Childhood and teenage obesity has more than quadrupled, increasing from 31 million in 1990 to nearly 160 million in 2022.
What are the health risks associated with obesity mentioned in the study?
-Obesity is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer.
Which regions of the world are experiencing the fastest rise in obesity rates?
-Asia and the Caribbean are experiencing the fastest rising obesity rates.
How do obesity trends in Europe and North America compare to other regions?
-In Europe and North America, obesity rates are not rising as fast as in Asia and the Caribbean, but they remain high and are not decreasing.
What role does the length of time a person is affected by obesity play in health outcomes?
-The longer someone lives with obesity, the greater the potential impact on health outcomes, increasing risks of associated diseases over time.
What measures does the World Health Organization recommend to combat obesity?
-WHO recommends making healthy foods cheaper, restricting advertising of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods, and supporting physical activity and good nutrition in schools.
Can weight loss drugs solve the global obesity crisis?
-No, while new weight loss drugs may help as part of a healthy diet, they are not a comprehensive solution to global obesity.
Why are governments and the food industry urged to act on obesity?
-Because obesity is a rapidly growing public health problem with serious long-term health consequences, urgent action from both governments and the food industry is needed to reduce prevalence.
What is the overall global trend in obesity since 1990 according to the study?
-Obesity has increased dramatically worldwide, with adult obesity rising 4.5 times since 1990, indicating a rapid and ongoing global health challenge.