Global health impacts of high BMI: A 30-Year analysis of trends and disparities across regions and Demographics

Objective

This study explores the global disease burden associated with high Body Mass Index (BMI) from 1990 to 2021, using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021).

Methods

We applied Joinpoint regression to assess trends in deaths and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and employed ARIMA models to project future BMI-related burdens.

Results

From 1990 to 2021, global deaths linked to high BMI surged by 153.97%, rising from 1.46 million to 3.71 million. DALYs increased by 167.57%, with the highest rises in North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Women, particularly those aged 75 and above, experienced the most significant burden, with a faster rate of increase in disease burden compared to men post-2000. Future projections indicate a continued rise in BMI-related health impacts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Conclusions

The global disease burden attributable to high BMI is increasing rapidly, particularly in low- and middle-income regions. Targeted public health interventions, especially for women and the elderly, are crucial to addressing this growing health challenge.