Over 50% Adults Worldwide Predicted to be Obese or Overweight by 2050

Source: The Lancet, 4 March 2025

More than half of all adults and a third of children, teenagers and young adults around the world are predicted to be overweight or obese by 2050.

The findings come in a new study of global data published in The Lancet, external journal, covering more than 200 countries.

Researchers warn that obesity levels are predicted to accelerate rapidly during the remainder of this decade, particularly in lower-income countries.

Summary:

No country to date has successfully curbed the rising rates of adult overweight and obesity. Without immediate and effective intervention, overweight and obesity will continue to increase globally. Particularly in Asia and Africa, driven by growing populations, the number of individuals with overweight and obesity is forecast to rise substantially. These regions will face a considerable increase in obesity-related disease burden. Merely acknowledging obesity as a global health issue would be negligent on the part of global health and public health practitioners; more aggressive and targeted measures are required to address this crisis, as obesity is one of the foremost avertible risks to health now and in the future and poses an unparalleled threat of premature disease and death at local, national, and global levels.