Lancet Warns of Alarming Rise in Youth Obesity Worldwide

A new analysis by the Lancet Commission has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating health of the global youth population. According to its latest findings, more than 460 million adolescents aged 10 to 24 are projected to be overweight or obese by the year 2030. The commission warned that this alarming trend poses a significant threat to the future well-being of young people worldwide.

This is the second analysis by the Lancet Commission focused on youth health and well-being, following its first in 2016. The projections are based on data drawn from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study. The report highlights a sharp rise in overweight and obesity cases among youth, estimating an increase of 143 million compared to figures from 2015.

The report specifically notes that in high-income countries of Latin America and the Middle East, nearly one-third of adolescents will be overweight by 2030. It also points out a dramatic rise in obesity rates in certain African and Asian countries, where the condition has increased eightfold over the past three decades.

Beyond physical health, mental health disorders among youth are a growing concern. The report estimates that by 2030, mental illnesses or suicide may result in the loss of 42 million lives, a figure 2 million higher than in 2015. Additional challenges such as HIV/AIDS, child marriages, unsafe sex, depression, and malnutrition are also cited as major contributors to declining youth health.

Commenting on the findings, Professor Sarah Baird from George Washington University said, “While there are positive trends such as reduced tobacco and alcohol use and increased enrollment in higher education, issues like obesity and mental health problems are rising globally.” The Commission also identified climate change and the digital environment as emerging challenges to youth health.

Experts have urged immediate intervention by governments, policymakers, and financial institutions. They emphasized the importance of investing in youth health and well-being as a critical priority to address the growing crisis.