A Lancet commission ranks obesity as the century’s biggest avoidable health threat, ahead of climate change and pandemics.

It estimates obesity could cause 23.1 billion avoidable disability-adjusted life years lost between 2025 and 2100.

In India, doctors warn BMI can hide danger, as many carry visceral fat and low muscle at lower weights.

Regional medical societies treat a BMI above 23 as overweight and above 25 as obese for Indians.

National survey data from 2019-21 shows nearly one in four Indian adults is obese.

A Lancet study projects India could have over 440 million obese and overweight people by 2050.

Adults with obesity face nearly 70% higher risk of severe infection outcomes, a February 2026 study found.

The commission blames food systems, processed-food marketing and sedentary environments, not just personal choices.

Read the full article for more details on the Lancet obesity warning.