Analysis of global populations shows that the obesity trajectory is not uniform across countries. by Thai researchers from Mahidol University participating in the NCD-RisC network
Key findings
- A study of 4,050 height and weight measures from 232 million people in 200 countries and territories between 1980 and 2024.
- The increase in childhood obesity has slowed and begun to stabilize in many high-income countries.
- Adult obesity continues to increase or accelerate in many low- and middle-income countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Why this matters globally
The scale of the data and coverage of 200 countries makes this work important evidence for nutrition and NCD policymaking. Pointing out that measures must be adjusted according to the direction of each country.
Thai researcher contribution
Researchers from Mahidol University participate in NCD-RisC, which collects and analyzes population health data from around the world. Including evidence from Thailand
Limitations to consider
Stable does not mean disease burden is low. And population-level analysis cannot directly explain individual causes or effects of individual measures.