Projected Surge in Global Obesity Rates by 2050

Sun 9th Mar, 2025

According to a recent large-scale study published in a leading medical journal, nearly 60% of adults worldwide and one-third of all children are expected to be classified as overweight or obese by the year 2050 unless significant measures are taken by governments globally.

The research, which analyzed data from 204 countries, highlights a troubling trend described as one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. The study's findings indicate that the number of individuals classified as overweight or obese has surged from 929 million in 1990 to 2.6 billion in 2021.

If current trends persist without intervention, researchers estimate that approximately 3.8 billion adults will fall into the overweight or obese category within the next 15 years--equating to about 60% of the adult population globally by 2050. This alarming rise is poised to exert immense pressure on healthcare systems, particularly as it is anticipated that around a quarter of the obese population will be aged 65 or older at that time.

Furthermore, the study forecasts a staggering 121% increase in obesity rates among children and adolescents worldwide. The researchers predict that a significant portion of these young individuals will reside in specific regions, notably North Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Despite these dire predictions, experts emphasize that it is not too late to take action. Stronger political will is deemed essential to transform dietary habits and implement sustainable global food systems. Efforts must also focus on enhancing nutrition, promoting physical activity, and improving living conditions, especially in areas where processed foods are prevalent and access to recreational spaces is limited.

Currently, over half of the global population classified as overweight or obese lives in just eight countries: China, India, the United States, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia, and Egypt. While poor dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles are recognized as major contributors to the obesity epidemic, there remains uncertainty regarding the underlying causes, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups who appear to have a persistent tendency towards obesity.

This study is part of the Global Burden of Disease initiative, which unites thousands of researchers worldwide and is supported by funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The findings underline an urgent need for coordinated global efforts to combat this escalating public health crisis.


More Quick Read Articles »