50% adults overweight or obese by 2050: Global study
Mar 5, 2025
auto_awesome
A global prediction warns that by 2050, over half of adults will be overweight or obese. The discussion highlights alarming trends in obesity rates, particularly in Asia and Africa. The podcast emphasizes the urgent need for action, as obesity presents a severe health crisis. Interesting expressions like 'a whole lot worse' and 'damning' are examined for their communicative power. With detailed insights into future implications, it provokes critical thoughts on this growing epidemic affecting various populations.
The global study predicts that by 2050, over 50% of adults will be overweight or obese, necessitating urgent governmental interventions.
The podcast emphasizes critical vocabulary related to obesity, illustrating the severity of the epidemic and the urgent need for public awareness.
Deep dives
Global Obesity Trends and Predictions
A new global study predicts that over 50% of adults worldwide will be overweight or obese by 2050, with alarming trends indicating significant increases particularly in Asia and Africa. This emerging crisis stems from data spanning more than 200 countries, showcasing a doubling of overweight and obesity rates since 1990. Experts warn that if current trends persist, these regions will face a surge in obesity-related diseases, calling the potential consequences profound. Immediate governmental intervention is essential to avert what can be described as a public health tragedy as obesity continues to pose severe global threats.
Understanding the Vocabulary of the Obesity Crisis
The podcast delves into essential vocabulary linked to the ongoing obesity epidemic, highlighting terms like 'unparalleled' and 'damning' that underscore the gravity of the situation. The term 'unparalleled' indicates that obesity presents a unique and unprecedented threat compared to other health issues, implying the severity and urgency of action needed. Similarly, the word 'damning' describes studies that reveal shocking negative findings about obesity trends, especially in regions like the UK. By focusing on these terms, the discussion enhances understanding of the implications of obesity and the critical need for awareness and action.
More than half of all adults and a third of children, teenagers and young adults around the world are predicted to be overweight or obese by 2050.
Find full subtitles and a worksheet for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2025/250305
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ 6 Minute English
✔️ Learning English for Work
✔️ Learning English Conversations
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode