We are facing a major public health epidemic, obesity has become the biggest health concern in the modern world. There are 2.1 billion people who are obese or overweight, rising from 875 million in 1980. Almost a third of the world is now obese and no country has been successful in lowering the obesity rate since the 1980’s.
In North Africa and the Middle East 60 percent of men and 65 percent of women are considered obese. The U.S. holds the highest percentage in the world with 13 percent of their population considered to be obese. Almost the equivalent of China and India combined, which stands at 15 percent. It appears there is a strong link between income and obesity. The higher the income, the fatter they become. When people become too heavy, they are at a much higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, arthritis and a many other types of illness. People seem to be eating more and exercising less. Different parts of the world have unique eating habits, for example South Africa consumes a lot of starchy food, while in parts of Latin America it’s more sugary condensed drinks and unhealthy snacks. In China, the introduction of western food and reduction of overall physical activity has created a spike in weight gain. Most bike lanes have been replaced by roads which are stuffed with bumper to bumper traffic.
Rates of obesity tend to be higher for busy career minded women who prioritize their children and work before diet and exercise. However more obese men than women lived in developed countries.
