Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

Obesity Raises Risk of Death by 70 Percent, Study Warns

People suffering from <span>obesity</span> are 70 percent more likely to be hospitalised or die from an infectious disease, including flu, <span>COVID-19</span> and <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/pneumonia">pneumonia</a></span>, according to a Lancet journal study.

Researchers from the UK and Finland, who analyzed over 500,000 people, found that those with a BMI of 30 or higher were at a significantly higher risk compared with people with a healthy BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. The risk escalated as body weight increased.

Dr Solja Nyberg, of the University of Helsinki and the study's first author, noted the problem could worsen and said: “As obesity rates are expected to rise globally, so will the number of deaths and hospitalizations from infectious diseases linked to obesity.

“To reduce the risk of severe infections, as well as other health issues linked with obesity, there is an urgent need for policies that help people stay healthy and support weight-loss, such as access to affordable healthy food and opportunities for physical activity.”

In the meantime, she added, it was “especially important” for those living with obesity to keep up to date with their vaccinations.

According to the <span>World Health Organisation</span>, obesity has been linked to 3.7 million deaths globally in 2024. If strong action is not taken, the number of people living with obesity is expected to double by 2030. Recently, the WHO released its first-ever guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, or GLP-1, therapies for managing obesity as a chronic and relapsing condition.

“Obesity is a major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing by supporting countries and people worldwide to control it effectively and equitably. Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

<h2>Is Global Obesity On The Rise?</h2>In 2022, nearly one in eight people worldwide were living with obesity. This is a number that has doubled more in adults and quadrupled among adolescents in the past three decades. Obesity also increases risk of many chronic illnesses and diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and also certain cancers.

While industrialized societies see soaring obesity rates, traditional and farming communities experience much lower levels of obesity, a contrast often attributed to more physically demanding lifestyles.

This is where this recent study plays a big role. The study found that this assumption does not fully hold true. Even though physical activity across population, or the energy expenditure, that is the total calories burned daily is not significantly lower in industrialized population, their body size is larger. So, if not the energy output, then what is the reason? The answer lies in the diet.

<strong>READ MORE</strong>:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/diet-not-lack-of-exercise-is-the-real-reason-for-rise-in-obesity-according-to-study-article-153059198" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank"> Diet, Not Lack Of Exercise Is The Real Reason For Rise In Obesity, According To Study</a> 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Childhood Obesity</span>: The Silent Crisis</h2>Childhood obesity is a long-term health condition that develops when a child’s weight is above the healthy range for their age, height, and sex. 

According to Mayo Clinic, doctors define it as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for children 2 years and older. In recent times, India has begun seeing a worrying rise in childhood obesity cases, especially in cities where lifestyle changes, unhealthy diets, and less physical activity are driving the trend.

In the United States, CDC data from 2017–2020 showed that about 19.7% of children and adolescents between ages 2 and 19 had obesity, roughly 14.7 million young people. Among them, 12.7% were between ages 2–5, 20.7% were 6–11, and 22.2% were 12–19.

Dr Vivek Jain, Senior Director &amp; Unit Head, Paediatrics, Fortis Hospital explains that in recent years, obesity among children has risen sharply due to many factors. Kids are spending more time in front of screens, getting less outdoor play, and attending online classes, all of which cut down their activity levels. At the same time, fast food, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks have become a regular part of diets.

Modern lifestyles also encourage frequent dining out, reliance on processed meals, and irregular eating. Add limited access to safe play areas, heavy academic schedules, and family history of obesity, and the risks become even higher. 

Without intervention, obesity in childhood often continues into adulthood, increasing chances of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and even some cancers.

<h2>How To Prevent Childhood Obesity</h2>

Prevention needs a joint effort from families, schools, communities, and policymakers. Parents play the most important role, as they shape habits from an early age. Dr. Vivek suggests:

<ul><li>Balanced nutrition: Encourage home-cooked meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit fried foods, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks.</li><li>Physical activity: Aim for at least 60 minutes of active play or exercise daily, such as sports, cycling, or outdoor games.</li><li>Reduced screen time: Limit television, mobile, and gaming time to help children stay active and sleep better.</li><li>Family involvement: Lead by example—eat meals together, exercise as a family, and make health a priority.</li><li>School initiatives: Schools should provide nutritious meals, promote physical education, and teach healthy habits.</li></ul>

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COVID-19

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People suffering from obesity are 70 percent more likely to be hospitalised or die from an infectious disease, including flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia, according to a Lancet journal study.Researchers from the UK and Finland, who analyzed over 500,000 people, found that those with a BMI of 30 or higher were at a significantly higher risk compared with people with a healthy BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. The risk escalated as body weight increased.Dr Solja Nyberg, of the University of Helsinki and the study's first author, noted the problem could worsen and said: “As obesity rates are expected to rise globally, so will the number of deaths and hospitalizations from infectious diseases linked to obesity.“To reduce the risk of severe infections, as well as other health issues linked with obesity, there is an urgent need for policies that help people stay healthy and support weight-loss, such as access to affordable healthy food and opportunities for physical activity.”In the meantime, she added, it was “especially important” for those living with obesity to keep up to date with their vaccinations.According to the World Health Organisation, obesity has been linked to 3.7 million deaths globally in 2024. If strong action is not taken, the number of people living with obesity is expected to double by 2030. Recently, the WHO released its first-ever guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, or GLP-1, therapies for managing obesity as a chronic and relapsing condition.“Obesity is a major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing by supporting countries and people worldwide to control it effectively and equitably. Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.Is Global Obesity On The Rise?In 2022, nearly one in eight people worldwide were living with obesity. This is a number that has doubled more in adults and quadrupled among adolescents in the past three decades. Obesity also increases risk of many chronic illnesses and diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and also certain cancers.While industrialized societies see soaring obesity rates, traditional and farming communities experience much lower levels of obesity, a contrast often attributed to more physically demanding lifestyles.This is where this recent study plays a big role. The study found that this assumption does not fully hold true. Even though physical activity across population, or the energy expenditure, that is the total calories burned daily is not significantly lower in industrialized population, their body size is larger. So, if not the energy output, then what is the reason? The answer lies in the diet.READ MORE: Diet, Not Lack Of Exercise Is The Real Reason For Rise In Obesity, According To Study Childhood Obesity: The Silent CrisisChildhood obesity is a long-term health condition that develops when a child’s weight is above the healthy range for their age, height, and sex. According to Mayo Clinic, doctors define it as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for children 2 years and older. In recent times, India has begun seeing a worrying rise in childhood obesity cases, especially in cities where lifestyle changes, unhealthy diets, and less physical activity are driving the trend.In the United States, CDC data from 2017–2020 showed that about 19.7% of children and adolescents between ages 2 and 19 had obesity, roughly 14.7 million young people. Among them, 12.7% were between ages 2–5, 20.7% were 6–11, and 22.2% were 12–19.Dr Vivek Jain, Senior Director & Unit Head, Paediatrics, Fortis Hospital explains that in recent years, obesity among children has risen sharply due to many factors. Kids are spending more time in front of screens, getting less outdoor play, and attending online classes, all of which cut down their activity levels. At the same time, fast food, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks have become a regular part of diets.Modern lifestyles also encourage frequent dining out, reliance on processed meals, and irregular eating. Add limited access to safe play areas, heavy academic schedules, and family history of obesity, and the risks become even higher. Without intervention, obesity in childhood often continues into adulthood, increasing chances of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and even some cancers.How To Prevent Childhood ObesityPrevention needs a joint effort from families, schools, communities, and policymakers. Parents play the most important role, as they shape habits from an early age. Dr. Vivek suggests:Balanced nutrition: Encourage home-cooked meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit fried foods, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks.Physical activity: Aim for at least 60 minutes of active play or exercise daily, such as sports, cycling, or outdoor games.Reduced screen time: Limit television, mobile, and gaming time to help children stay active and sleep better.Family involvement: Lead by example—eat meals together, exercise as a family, and make health a priority.School initiatives: Schools should provide nutritious meals, promote physical education, and teach healthy habits.