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.
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CID to probe realtor murder case, says Karnataka Home Minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said that he has directed the CID to probe the alleged kidnapping and killing of a real estate businessman from Anekal, whose body was found in neighbouring Tamil Nadu on March 9.
The minister was responding to a question raised by Congress MLA Pradeep Eshwar in the Legislative Assembly during zero hour.
"On the issue raised by the MLA, the police have already taken action. One person has been arrested, and the search is on for others. Based on the initial reports we have got, I have instructed that the case be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department. The investigation will be done by them," Parameshwara said.
Demanding justice for the deceased's family, Eshwar earlier urged the home minister to hand over the case to the CID. "One person has been arrested and two suspects are still at large. They should be arrested at the earliest," he said.
Gopal alias Gopi was allegedly abducted on Sunday by a gang that intercepted his car near Karpur Gate. The assailants allegedly rammed his car from the rear and forcibly took him away in another car.
He was reportedly taken to a forest area near Denkanikottai in Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu, and was attacked by sharp weapons leading to death, police said, adding that the body was found on Monday.
Gopal's family members and relatives had staged a protest outside the Anekal police station, demanding the immediate arrest of all those behind the incident.
The police have arrested Mohan Babu, alleged to be the mastermind behind the crime, even as efforts are being made to nab his two associates who kidnapped Gopal. Business disputes and rivalry are said to be the reasons behind the killing.
