There are now more adults in the world classified as obese than underweight, a major study has suggested and the figures show that obesity in men has tripled and more than doubled in women.
The BBC reported that the research, led by scientists from Imperial College London and published in The Lancet, compared body mass index (BMI) among almost 20 million adult men and women from 1975 to 2014.
The study found that more obese men and women now live in China and the USA than in any other country while the UK’s women have the third highest BMI in Europe and its men in 10th spot.
The research also predicted that the probability of reaching the World Health Organisation’s global obesity target – which aims for no rise in obesity above 2010 levels by 2025 – would be ‘close to zero’.
Lead researcher Professor Majid Ezzat said the study showed that it the world faced an ‘epidemic of severe obesity’ and urged governments to act.
Ezzat added: “Our research has shown that over 40 years we have transitioned from a world in which underweight prevalence was more than double that of obesity, to one in which more people are obese than underweight.
“Although it is reassuring that the number of underweight individuals has decreased over the last four decades, global obesity has reached crisis point.”
The study also predicted that by 2025, the UK will have the highest levels of obese women in Europe (38%), followed by Republic of Ireland (37%) and Malta (34%).
For many people with eating problems, diets are merely fads which do not always work. Some even consider gastric band surgery in an effort to control, their eating.
However, a non-invasive way to manage one’s weight is through clinical hypnotherapy and the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) has many qualified and highly-trained therapists on its register who can help people manage their weight.
People who use hypnotherapy to counter overeating may find they are using food rather than love to nourish themselves, for instance.
The hypnotherapist treating someone for weight loss will enquire about eating patterns – what is eaten, when and why. A programme of treatment will then be put together with the client to motivate them to exercise more and eat less.
Reacting to the study’s outcome, Jamie Blackshaw, National lead for Obesity and Healthy Weight, Public Health England, told the BBC: “People who are overweight and obese suffer life-changing consequences and it costs the NHS more than £6 billion a year. The causes of obesity are complex and the environment we live in encourages poor diets and low levels of physical activity.
“There is no single solution, we have to address the many factors that drive up obesity levels. We all – government, industry, local authorities and the public – have a role to play in that.”
To stop yourself becoming one of those obesity statistics and if you are concerned about your eating and weight, contact an NCH therapist near you by using their directory and get set for a healthier life.