The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a staggering increase in global obesity rates, with more than 1 bn people worldwide now suffering from this chronic condition.
The study, which analyzed data from 2022, reveals alarming trends in obesity prevalence.
"Worldwide, obesity among adults has more than doubled since 1990, and has quadrupled among children and adolescents," the report states.
Furthermore, it highlights that 43% of adults were classified as overweight in 2022, emphasizing the widespread nature of the issue.
Despite progress in combatting undernutrition, particularly in regions like South-East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, it remains a significant challenge in many parts of the world.
"Malnutrition, in all its forms, includes undernutrition... overweight and obesity," notes the study.
Undernutrition continues to be a leading cause of mortality among children under 5, while obesity contributes to a range of noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stresses the importance of comprehensive approaches to addressing obesity from early life to adulthood. He emphasizes the need for interventions focused on diet, physical activity, and healthcare.
"Getting back on track to meet the global targets for curbing obesity will take the work of governments and communities, supported by evidence-based policies," Dr. Tedros states.
Recognizing obesity as a complex chronic disease, the study emphasizes the importance of evidence-based interventions. While the causes of obesity are well understood, effective interventions are often lacking. The WHO Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity, adopted by Member States in 2022, aims to address this gap by supporting country-level action through 2030. Currently, 31 governments are leading efforts to implement the plan.
Dr. Francesco Branca, Director of WHO’s Nutrition and Food Safety Department, emphasizes the need for multisectoral action to address obesity and undernutrition. He underscores the importance of ensuring access to healthy diets and creating environments that promote physical activity and overall well-being.
Situation in Uzbekistan
As per to an analysis conducted by Ulugbek Khuzhakulov in December of 2023, an analyst at the Center for Economic Research and Reforms, Uzbekistan is projected to incur significant economic losses due to the prevalence of overweight and obesity by 2060. The estimated damage is expected to amount to $21.6 bn, equivalent to $490 per capita and 4.7% of GDP.
Drawing on data from reputable sources such as the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Obesity Federation (WOF), Khuzhakulov's article delves into the economic implications of the rising overweight and obesity rates in Uzbekistan. Over the years, the average body mass index (BMI) in the country has steadily increased, rising by 0.12 points annually since 1991 and reaching 25 kg per square meter in 2006.
Projections from the WOF paint a concerning picture for the future, with the percentage of adults classified as overweight or obese expected to rise to 59% by 2030 and a staggering 80% by 2060. Moreover, the proportion of obese adults is forecasted to surge from 18.9% in 2020 to 25% by 2030 and a troubling 50% by 2060.
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Recent data from the Sanitary-Epidemiological Peace and Public Health Service corroborates these findings, revealing that half of Uzbekistan's population aged 18 to 64 grapples with overweight issues, with 20% classified as obese. Additionally, a significant portion of the population falls short in consuming adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables, averaging less than 400 grams per day. Alarmingly, the average salt intake surpasses the WHO recommended limit by threefold, standing at 14.9 grams per day.
Earlier Daryo reported that Uzbekistan's Ministry of Health has unveiled plans to enhance regulations concerning the promotion of unhealthy foods and beverages aimed at children, as part of its initiative to curb childhood obesity by 30% by 2026 within the framework of the "Population Health" program.
While the World Obesity Federation projects that 250 mn children and adolescents worldwide will be obese by 2030, Uzbekistan, where the prevalence of overweight children under the age of 5 stands at 4.6%, is actively combating this issue.
The country is currently taking steps to prevent this figure from rising further, including the implementation of stricter regulations on the advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages targeted at children. Nevertheless, with obesity affecting 21.8% of adult women and 16.1% of adult men, Uzbekistan continues to face a significant challenge in addressing this issue.
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