Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the urgent need for policy reforms and effective measures to combat the rising obesity crisis globally, predicting that by 2050, over half of adults (approximately 3.8 billion) and one-third of children and adolescents (around 746 million) will face overweight or obesity issues if no action is taken [5][8]. Summary by Sections Global Obesity Trends - A recent analysis published in The Lancet indicates that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults aged 25 and above has surged from 731 million in 1990 to 2.11 billion in 2021. Similarly, the number of overweight and obese children and adolescents aged 5-24 has increased from 198 million to 493 million during the same period [8]. - The distribution of weight gain is highly uneven globally, with eight countries—China (402 million), India (180 million), the United States (172 million), Brazil (88 million), Russia (71 million), Mexico (58 million), Indonesia (52 million), and Egypt (41 million)—accounting for over half of the world's overweight or obese adults in 2021 [8]. Future Projections - If decisive measures are not implemented, it is projected that by 2050, approximately 60% of adults (3.8 billion) and one-third (31%) of children and adolescents (746 million) will be overweight or obese [8][10]. - The growth rate of obesity among children and adolescents is expected to outpace that of overweight individuals, particularly among boys, with obesity rates for boys aged 5-14 projected to reach 16.5% by 2050 [10]. Health and Economic Implications - The rising obesity rates will impose significant health, economic, and social burdens, especially in regions like North Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, which are expected to become hotspots for adolescent obesity [10]. - By 2050, nearly one-quarter of obese adults will be aged 65 and older, further straining healthcare systems, particularly in resource-limited countries [10]. Causes and Management Strategies - The complexity of obesity is highlighted, involving genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The success rate of weight loss through diet and exercise alone is only about 1% [11]. - The article advocates for a multi-tiered intervention approach, suggesting that overweight individuals can adjust through diet and exercise, while those with severe obesity or metabolic diseases may require medication or surgical options [11]. Recommendations for Action - Public education should be enhanced to correct misconceptions about obesity being solely a result of personal willpower [12]. - Policy support is necessary, including the establishment of community exercise facilities and mandatory nutritional labeling on food products [12]. - Improving access to quality healthcare resources through telemedicine and training for primary care physicians is essential to increase the availability of scientific weight management services [12].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the alarming global obesity crisis, projecting that by 2050, over half of adults (3.8 billion) and one-third of children and adolescents (746 million) will be overweight or obese without immediate policy reforms and actions [6][9]. Global Obesity Status - A comprehensive assessment of overweight and obesity from 1990 to 2021 across 204 countries reveals a dramatic increase in obesity rates, with adult obesity rising from 731 million in 1990 to 2.11 billion in 2021, and childhood obesity increasing from 198 million to 493 million [7]. - The study utilized Body Mass Index (BMI) as a standard, defining overweight as a BMI of 25-30 kg/m² and obesity as a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher for adults, while using specific standards for children [7]. Global Distribution of Obesity - 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)—account for over half of the global adult overweight or obese population [8]. Future Trends - Projections indicate that by 2050, approximately 60% of adults (3.8 billion) and 31% of children and adolescents (746 million) will face overweight or obesity issues, with the growth rate of childhood obesity expected to surpass that of overweight individuals [9]. - The male population aged 5-14 is predicted to experience a higher obesity rate (16.5%) than the overweight rate (12.9%) for the first time by 2050 [10]. Causes of Obesity - The complexity of obesity is emphasized, involving genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, with only 1% of obese individuals successfully losing weight through diet and exercise alone [11]. - The article notes that East Asian genetic traits lead to higher abdominal fat accumulation, which is exacerbated by carbohydrate-rich diets and sedentary lifestyles, increasing the risk of metabolic diseases [12]. Response Strategies - The medical community advocates for a "lifetime management" approach to obesity, suggesting tiered interventions based on severity, including dietary adjustments for overweight individuals, medication for mild obesity, and surgical options for severe cases [13]. - Recommendations include enhancing public education to shift perceptions of obesity from personal responsibility to a broader societal issue, improving policy support for community exercise facilities, and promoting nutritional labeling [13].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the alarming global obesity crisis, projecting that by 2050, over half of adults (3.8 billion) and one-third of children and adolescents (746 million) will be overweight or obese without immediate policy reforms and actions [6][9]. Global Obesity Status - A comprehensive assessment of overweight and obesity from 1990 to 2021 across 204 countries reveals a dramatic increase in obesity rates, with adult obesity rising from 731 million in 1990 to 2.11 billion in 2021, and childhood obesity increasing from 198 million to 493 million [7]. Global Distribution of Obesity - 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)—account for over half of the global adult overweight or obese population [8]. Future Trends - Projections indicate that by 2050, approximately 60% of adults (3.8 billion) and 31% of children and adolescents (746 million) will face overweight or obesity issues, with the growth rate of childhood obesity expected to surpass that of overweight individuals [9]. Causes of Obesity - The complexity of obesity is emphasized, involving genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Only 1% of obese individuals successfully lose weight through diet and exercise alone [11]. Strategies for Addressing Obesity - The article advocates for a layered intervention approach, suggesting that overweight individuals can manage their weight through diet and exercise, while those with moderate to severe obesity may require medication or surgical options. Public education and policy support are crucial for effective obesity management [13].