Muscat: Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington analyzed data from 204 countries, revealing that obesity rates have more than doubled over the past three decades. As of 2021, more than 2.1 billion adults and 493 million young people aged 5-24 were already classified as overweight or obese.

Obesity is linked to severe health risks, including diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Researchers warn that low- and middle-income countries are particularly vulnerable, as their health systems lack the capacity to handle the rising disease burden.

A 250% increase in obesity is projected in sub-Saharan Africa, with 522 million adults and 200 million children expected to be affected by 2050, driven in part by population growth.

While obesity is influenced by multiple complex factors, experts urge governments to take immediate action, focusing on improving access to healthy diets and preventive care.

A separate report, the World Obesity Atlas by the World Obesity Federation, echoed these concerns, warning that by 2035, nearly 79% of adults and 88% of children living with obesity will be in low- and middle-income countries. Alarmingly, only 7% of all nations currently have adequate healthcare systems to address the crisis.

Although the study, funded by the Gates Foundation, acknowledged limitations—including data gaps and the use of BMI as a marker—researchers say the findings underscore the urgent need for global intervention before obesity overwhelms healthcare systems worldwide.