A major global study has revealed that the world is increasingly becoming affected by diseases and obesity. Obesity is a common silent illness that has become a leading cause of premature deaths.
According to the new research, the rising rate of obesity over the past decade has now become one of the biggest contributors to diseases, prompting experts to call for urgent and strict action to tackle this crisis.
The study, published in the medical journal The Lancet under the title “Global Burden of Disease,” revealed data showing a significant shift in the medical landscape over the last ten years.
Researchers noted a decline in the number of people suffering from risk factors such as air pollution, smoking, and high blood pressure. However, the number of people at risk due to high blood sugar (diabetes) and obesity related illnesses continues to rise.
Experts have warned that if immediate and large scale measures are not taken, controlling this issue could take an entire generation.
The study, released today, revealed that since 2010, there has been an 11% increase in the number of people suffering from one of 375 diseases and injuries.
In comparison, the number of people suffering from health problems caused by high blood pressure increased by 6%, while those affected by high cholesterol and hypertension saw a 15% decline.
Professor Naveed Sattar, a cardiologist and expert in metabolic health at the University of Glasgow, told the British newspaper Daily Mail that the findings were not surprising. He said that over the past 50 years, government policies and pharmaceutical advancements have improved many risk factors, but obesity remains uncontrolled. People continue to live increasingly sedentary lifestyles while consuming more calories and processed foods.
He added that “we now need to look beyond medicine, as we cannot give these drugs to children.” Therefore, governments must take strict measures on calorie and sugar intake, similar to what was done with salt in previous decades, while also promoting lifestyle changes.
