Context: According to a new global analysis, published by the journal The Lancet, obesity rates are going up across the world.

What is Obesity?

• Obesity, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that poses health risks.

• A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight and over 30 is obese.

• The BMI is a ratio of a person’s weight to their height measured in kilograms per meter square of height.

• Obesity has become the most common form of malnutrition in most countries.

Global Scenario

• The total number of children, adolescents, and adults worldwide living with obesity has surpassed one billion.

• In total, 159 million children and adolescents, and 879 million adults were obese in 2022.

Indian Scenario

• The obesity rate increased from 0.1% in 1990 to 3.1% in 2022 for girls, and 0.1% to 3.9%, for boys.

• In the prevalence of obesity category for girls and boys, India ranked 174th in the world in 2022.

• According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 2019-2021, about 6.4 percent of women and 4.0 per cent of men aged 15-49 are obese.

Causes of obesity

• Poor Diet: Consuming high-calorie, low-nutrient foods such as fast food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks can contribute to weight gain. Diets high in refined carbohydrates and fats can lead to overeating and weight gain.

• Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles, characterized by little to no physical activity, can contribute to obesity. 

• Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, corticosteroids, and some medications used to treat epilepsy and diabetes, can cause weight gain as a side effect.

• Sleep: Poor sleep patterns or sleep disorders like sleep apnea can disrupt hormonal balance and increase appetite, leading to weight gain.

• Genetics: Genetics play a role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to obesity. Some people may have a genetic predisposition that makes them more likely to gain weight.

Road Ahead

• Addressing obesity in adolescents requires a multi-faceted approach that involves government policy, community initiatives and individual actions.

• Restriction on sale of unhealthy foods and beverages to children, restricting junk food advertisements targeted at children, clear nutritional labeling and promoting healthier options at school cafeterias are needed.

• Parents should also encourage children in daily household chores and outdoor activities to promote physical activity.