Nigeria ranks 180 out of 183 countries in obesity preparedness
Nigeria is the country that is least equipped to handle the global rise in non-communicable diseases and obesity, according to the Global Obesity Atlas 2023 research published by the International Obesity Federation.
According to the research, Nigeria ranks 180 out of 183 nations in terms of its readiness for NCDs and obesity.
The ranking system takes into account how each nation’s health system is currently addressing NCDs and how committed each nation is to putting obesity prevention measures into action.
The analysis demonstrates significant regional and national income disparities in readiness. For instance, low-income countries only rank 154 out of 183 on average in terms of preparation, whereas high-income countries only rank 29 out of 183. Eight of the ten least prepared nations are in Africa, while all ten of the best prepared nations are in Europe.
The report warned that lower-middle-income nations with sizable populations, like India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Nigeria, could swiftly imitate upper-middle-income nations like Mexico, Brazil, and Turkey by experiencing a sharp increase in the prevalence of obesity, particularly among children and adolescents.
By 2035, there will be a projected 24% increase in the prevalence of obesity among adult Nigerians.
Also, it revealed that from 2020 to 2035, there will be a very high yearly growth in adult and pediatric obesity of 4.9% and 8.3%, respectively.
It stated that by 2035, the impact of obesity on the national GDP is anticipated to reach 0.9%.
The World Obesity Federation’s research demonstrates that people who live with obesity encounter some barriers to care because they frequently cannot get a diagnosis (because obesity may not be classified as a disease) or access the treatment they require from skilled and qualified health professionals, and are consequently required to incur significant out-of-pocket costs for appropriate medical care.
Around $370 billion in annual economic costs are projected for overweight and obesity in low- and lower-middle-income countries alone by 2035.
The Global Obesity Federation’s Director of Science, Rachel Jackson-Leach, commented on the study in the following way: “If we do not act now, we are on pace to witness large rises in obesity prevalence over the next ten years. The highest rises will be observed in low- and lower-middle-income countries, where a lack of resources combined with a lack of preparation will produce a perfect storm that will most severely harm those who are obese.
