India may have over 440 million overweight people by 2050: Lancet study
New Delhi: India could have over 440 million overweight and obese individuals by 2050, making it the second highest in the world after China, according to a recent study published in The Lancet journal.
The study has estimated that nearly 60 percent of adults and a third of all children across the globe will be overweight or obese by 2050 if the governments do not take any action.
In India, the projected numbers for mid-century include 218 million overweight or obese men and 231 million women, placing the country second only to China. The United States, Brazil, and Nigeria are expected to follow in third, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively, the findings by an international team of researchers reveal.
The study warns that without urgent policy interventions, over half of the world's population aged 25 and above (3.8 billion people) will be affected by obesity. Additionally, about a third of all children and young people, approximately 746 million, are forecasted to be overweight or obese by 2050.
More than half of the world's adults with overweight or obesity in 2021 were concentrated in just eight countries: China (402 million), India (180 million), the USA (172 million), Brazil (88 million), Russia (71 million), Mexico (58 million), Indonesia (52 million), and Egypt (41 million).
“The unprecedented global epidemic of overweight and obesity is a profound tragedy and a monumental societal failure,” lead author Prof Emmanuela Gakidou, from the University of Washington, said in a statement.
Researchers highlighted that children today are gaining weight faster than previous generations, leading to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and various cancers at a younger age.
The study’s findings come just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed rising obesity in India during his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio address. He urged citizens to reduce oil consumption, emphasising that it is not just a personal choice but a collective responsibility towards better health.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Barber held for beating man to death over 'bidi' in east Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): A 32-year-old barber was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly beating a man to death following an altercation over a 'bidi' in east Delhi's Pandav Nagar area, police said.
A call regarding the incident that occurred near the bus stand road in Shashi Garden was received at 1.24 am, they said.
The victim was identified as Deepak (28), while the accused was Manoj, he added.
According to the police, during an argument, the accused picked up a wooden stick lying nearby and struck the victim repeatedly on the head. Multiple injuries and bruise marks were also found on the victim's forehead.
"Deepak was taken to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital, but doctors declared him brought dead," an officer said.
An FIR has been registered and further investigation is underway, the officer added.
