Obesity, overweight cases to hit over 480 million by 2022

LONDON, UK (GlobalData) – The number of overweight and obesity cases continues to rise as a result of the fatal combination of physical inactivity and high-calorie diets characterising today’s lifestyle. In a new report, research and consulting firm, GlobalData, estimates the number to reach over 480 million by 2022. This covers nine major markets, namely US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Japan, Brazil and Canada.

The report, EpiCast Report: Overweight and Obesity - Epidemiology Forecast to 2022, predicts the number of people affected by obesity in these markets to increase from 167 million in 2012 to 213 million in 2022. The number of prevalent cases of those classed as overweight in those countries will also grow significantly, from 250 million in 2012 to about 272 million in 2022.

The United States will have the highest population of those with such conditions, with 81 million people estimated to be overweight and 113 million obese by 2022. Brazil follows with 64 million overweight and 26 million obese people by 2022. Globally, an estimated 2.8 million people die each year due to obesity and its associated conditions.

The report mentions that in the US, obesity is more common in women than in men, and affects mostly non-Hispanic black women, followed by those of Mexican-American origin.

Another finding shows that genetics plays a major role in obesity and overweight conditions. A person with one obese family member is four times more prone to develop the condition. Factors such as shared environments and same diet habits amongst members will also bring about the risk of obesity.

Alison Carpenter, MPH, GloAir Max 1 Mid Liberty Max Kicks