Over 1 billion people worldwide living with obesity, new study estimates

Global obesity rates have surged, with over 1 billion people worldwide affected in 2022, up from nearly 800 million in 2016, researchers reported on February 29 in the Lancet.

The prevalence has doubled in women, tripled in men, and quadrupled in children since 1990, the study highlighted.

Experts urge action to address this public health crisis through prevention measures and improved medical care.

Obesity, defined by excess body fat, poses health risks like heart disease and diabetes. Factors contributing to obesity include limited access to healthy foods and societal lifestyle changes.