Study Predicts Half of Australian Youth Could Be Overweight by 2050

Sydney: A new global study predicts that half of Australian children and adolescents aged 5 to 24 will be overweight or obese by 2050, with a third falling into the obesity category. The research, published on World Obesity Day by The Lancet, was led by Australia's Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) and highlights an urgent public health crisis.

The study forecasts a sharp rise in obesity rates over the next five years, urging immediate interventions to curb the trend. According to the findings, approximately 2.2 million Australian children and adolescents will be obese by 2050, while an additional 1.6 million will be overweight.

The obesity epidemic is not limited to Australia. Globally, the number of overweight and obese individuals aged 5 to 24 has tripled since 1990, reaching 174 million by 2021—a 244% increase. That year, nearly half a billion children and adolescents worldwide were classified as overweight or obese.

Experts emphasize the need for urgent, multi-sectoral strategies to address the key factors driving obesity, including diet, physical activity, lifestyle habits, and urban planning. The study notes that Australia has experienced one of the fastest-growing obesity rates among young people, with girls increasingly classified as obese rather than overweight.

Jessica Kerr from MCRI stressed that childhood and adolescent obesity rarely resolves on its own, making early intervention critical. Without decisive action, this growing crisis is expected to place a significant financial strain on the healthcare system and economy. High body mass index (BMI) is linked to severe health conditions, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems, fertility issues, and mental health disorders. Beyond immediate health concerns, childhood obesity can also increase the likelihood of obesity in adulthood and lower quality of life for future generations.

Despite the concerning projections, researchers believe the trend can be reversed if governments implement strong measures before 2030. The study identifies nations with the highest expected obesity prevalence, including the United Arab Emirates, Cook Islands, Nauru, and Tonga, while countries such as China, Egypt, India, and the United States are predicted to have the largest number of obese children and adolescents by 2050.

MCRI Professor Susan Sawyer called for policy interventions such as taxation on sugary drinks, restrictions on junk food advertising aimed at young people, and increased funding for healthy school meal programs. She emphasized that regulatory action is essential to protect future generations from the long-term consequences of obesity.