The Rise of Global Obesity (2021-2050)

Obesity Crisis 

By 2050, the total number of individuals over 25 years old with overweight and obesity is projected to reach 3.80 billion. 34% of women are expected to be obese.

In absolute numbers, the three countries with the highest number of affected individuals will be:

• China: 627 million
• India: 450 million
• USA: 214 million



Sub-Saharan Africa will experience the largest increase in overweight and obesity cases, mainly due to population growth.

• Nigeria will see a 287.4% increase, rising from 37 million in 2021 to 141 million in 2050, making it the fourth-largest country in terms of affected population.

Definition of Overweight and Obesity

• Overweight: BMI ≥ 25
• Obesity: BMI ≥ 30

(BMI = Body Mass Index)

Based on Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data covering 204 countries. No estimates are available for Western Sahara, French Guiana, or Svalbard.