HEALTH NEWS
More than one billion people globally are now living with obesity, according to a new study.
A recent study has revealed a staggering increase in obesity rates across various age groups worldwide. According to findings published in The Lancet, over one billion individuals are now grappling with obesity, marking a concerning trend in global health.
Obesity, defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher in adults, has emerged as a predominant form of malnutrition in numerous nations. The study, which analyzed data from over 220 million individuals across 200 countries spanning from 1990 to 2022, underscored the alarming pace at which obesity has surged among children and adolescents compared to adults.
In 2022, estimates pointed to approximately 879 million adults living with obesity, comprising 504 million women and 374 million men – a stark contrast to figures from 1990. Similarly, the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents has seen a significant uptick, with approximately 159 million affected in 2022, compared to just 31 million three decades ago.
Majid Ezzati, a professor at Imperial College London and senior author of the study, expressed deep concern over the parallel rise of obesity among younger age groups, echoing sentiments of the epidemic witnessed among adults in previous decades. Ezzati emphasized the persistent challenge of undernutrition, particularly in impoverished nations, which continues to claim hundreds of millions of lives, especially among children under five years old.
Despite a decline in prevalence, the study also highlighted that millions of adults and children still grapple with undernutrition, a condition characterized by a BMI below 18 for adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) reiterated the severity of undernutrition, attributing it to half of all deaths among children under five.
Ezzati stressed the urgent need to enhance the accessibility and affordability of healthy, nutritious foods to effectively address both forms of malnutrition. This call to action underscores the importance of concerted efforts in public health initiatives to combat the multifaceted challenges posed by obesity and undernutrition on a global scale.
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Heathrow, Schiphol, Berlin: Airports Innovating with AI to Mitigate Flight Delays
London is exploring AI solutions to enhance airport operations Heathrow Airport in London is currently trialing AI technology as part of efforts to optimize traffic management. This innovative system aims to address capacity losses of up to 20 percent attributed to factors like low cloud cover and reduced visibility from the control tower.
Heathrow anticipates that leveraging ultra-high definition cameras, advanced AI algorithms, and machine learning capabilities will help mitigate flight delays. These technologies will step in during instances of impaired visibility due to weather conditions, seamlessly taking over from human controllers.
By enabling more efficient runway clearance and ensuring timely arrivals and departures, the implementation of AI promises to enhance overall operational efficiency at Heathrow.
Furthermore, similar AI-driven initiatives are underway at other major airports including Eindhoven, Schiphol, and Berlin Brandenburg, reflecting a broader trend toward technological innovation in aviation management.