Obesity in the World
Obesity | |
---|---|
Other names | Overweight, Excessive weight, Adiposity |
Worldwide obesity prevalence, with countries in darker shades having higher rates. | |
Specialty | Endocrinology, nutrition, psychology |
Complications | Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, fatty liver disease, mental health issues |
Treatment | Diet, exercise, behavioral therapy, medications, bariatric surgery |
Obesity is a global medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat. It is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle. This article provides a detailed overview of obesity worldwide, its common causes, and some of the worst-affected countries.
Global Obesity Statistics[edit | edit source]
Worldwide obesity has become a significant public health concern, with a steady increase in the prevalence of overweight and obese individuals over the decades. The following statistics highlight the alarming rise in obesity rates:
Nearly Tripled Since 1975[edit | edit source]
The prevalence of obesity worldwide has nearly tripled since 1975. This dramatic increase is a cause for global concern, as it indicates a growing health crisis affecting people of all ages.
Over 1.9 Billion Adults Overweight in 2016[edit | edit source]
In the year 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults aged 18 years and older were classified as overweight. This staggering number represents a substantial portion of the global adult population facing issues related to excessive body weight.
Over 650 Million Obese in 2016[edit | edit source]
Among the overweight adults in 2016, a subset of over 650 million individuals were categorized as obese. Obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, is associated with a higher risk of various health conditions and complications.
39% of Adults Over 18 Were Overweight in 2016[edit | edit source]
The statistics reveal that in 2016, approximately 39% of adults aged 18 years and over worldwide were classified as overweight. This means that nearly two-fifths of the adult population faced the challenges and health risks associated with excess body weight.
13% of Adults Over 18 Were Obese in 2016[edit | edit source]
In the same year, 2016, approximately 13% of adults aged 18 years and over were considered obese. This significant percentage indicates that a substantial portion of the global adult population had reached a level of obesity associated with severe health implications.
Causes of Obesity[edit | edit source]
Obesity can result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Some common causes and contributing factors to weight gain and obesity include:
Insulin resistance[edit | edit source]
Insulin resistance is a metabolic condition in which the body's cells become less responsive to insulin. This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and increased fat storage, contributing to obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes.
Physical Inactivity[edit | edit source]
Lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyles are major contributors to obesity. A lack of exercise can lead to an imbalance between calorie intake and expenditure, resulting in weight gain.
Stress[edit | edit source]
Chronic stress can trigger overeating and unhealthy eating habits as a coping mechanism. Stress hormones like cortisol may also contribute to fat storage, particularly around the abdominal area.
Eating Habits[edit | edit source]
Unhealthy eating habits, including the consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, large portion sizes, and frequent snacking on sugary or fatty foods, can lead to obesity.
Genetics[edit | edit source]
Genetic factors play a role in an individual's susceptibility to obesity. Some people may have a genetic predisposition that makes it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight.
Environment[edit | edit source]
Environmental factors, such as easy access to unhealthy food options, food marketing, and socioeconomic status, can influence dietary choices and contribute to obesity.
Obesity in various countries[edit | edit source]
Obesity is a global health concern that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. The prevalence of obesity has been steadily increasing worldwide. Some of the worst-affected countries include:
United States[edit | edit source]
The United States has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, with a significant portion of the population being overweight or obese. See obesity in United States
Mexico[edit | edit source]
Mexico consistently ranks among the countries with the highest obesity rates, driven in part by dietary habits and lifestyle factors.
Egypt[edit | edit source]
Obesity is a growing concern in Egypt, with rising rates among both adults and children.
United Kingdom[edit | edit source]
The United Kingdom faces increasing obesity rates, leading to various health issues and strains on the healthcare system.
Australia[edit | edit source]
Australia has also seen a rise in obesity rates, prompting public health initiatives to combat the issue.
Rethinking Our Dietary ApproachShifting focus from individual blame to understanding the complexities of obesity is crucial. A key factor is insulin resistance, impacting up to 71% of the population, with 35% experiencing metabolic syndrome. Navigating Misinformation The overwhelming presence of over 20,000 books and mixed messages on obesity medicine calls for guidance from experts like Dr Prab R. Tumpati, MD, who can provide clarity on the science and practice of this field. The Downfall of the Food Guide Pyramid The outdated and ineffective food guide pyramid, promoting a low-fat but high-glycemic diet, significantly contributed to increased insulin resistance and, consequently, weight gain. Insulin resistance and weight gain Insulin resistance is a physiological condition where the body's cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin. As insulin not only controls the blood sugar, it also controls the weight! Reducing the overall carbohydrate load and insulin levels is a key underlying concept in many low carbohydrate diets such as the ketogenic diet. |
The Blame Game in Obesity
Understanding metabolic starvation Weight gain isn't typically intentional. It often stems from the paradox of metabolic starvation in the obese, driven by insulin resistance and resulting in heightened insulin levels. This leads to persistent hunger, cravings, and further weight gain. Stop blaming the victim for obesity! |
Treatment and Prevention[edit | edit source]
Obesity is a complex condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and prevention. Strategies include:
- Diet and exercise to create a calorie deficit.
- Behavioral therapy to address emotional eating and lifestyle changes.
- Medications in some cases.
- Bariatric surgery for severe obesity.
Prevention efforts focus on promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and awareness of the consequences of obesity.
Country | Adult obesity rate | Year | Ranking | Region |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nauru | 61 | 2016 | 1 | Australia and Oceania |
Cook Islands | 55.9 | 2016 | 2 | Australia and Oceania |
Palau | 55.3 | 2016 | 3 | Australia and Oceania |
Marshall Islands | 52.9 | 2016 | 4 | Australia and Oceania |
Tuvalu | 51.6 | 2016 | 5 | Australia and Oceania |
Niue | 50 | 2016 | 6 | Australia and Oceania |
Tonga | 48.2 | 2016 | 7 | Australia and Oceania |
Samoa | 47.3 | 2016 | 8 | Australia and Oceania |
Kiribati | 46 | 2016 | 9 | Australia and Oceania |
Micronesia, Federated States of | 45.8 | 2016 | 10 | Australia and Oceania |
Kuwait | 37.9 | 2016 | 11 | Middle East |
United States | 36.2 | 2016 | 12 | North America |
Jordan | 35.5 | 2016 | 13 | Middle East |
Saudi Arabia | 35.4 | 2016 | 14 | Middle East |
Qatar | 35.1 | 2016 | 15 | Middle East |
Libya | 32.5 | 2016 | 16 | Africa |
Turkey (Turkiye) | 32.1 | 2016 | 17 | Middle East |
Lebanon | 32 | 2016 | 18 | Middle East |
Egypt | 32 | 2016 | 19 | Africa |
United Arab Emirates | 31.7 | 2016 | 20 | Middle East |
Bahamas, The | 31.6 | 2016 | 21 | Central America and the Caribbean |
New Zealand | 30.8 | 2016 | 22 | Australia and Oceania |
Iraq | 30.4 | 2016 | 23 | Middle East |
Fiji | 30.2 | 2016 | 24 | Australia and Oceania |
Bahrain | 29.8 | 2016 | 25 | Middle East |
Canada | 29.4 | 2016 | 26 | North America |
Australia | 29 | 2016 | 27 | Australia and Oceania |
Mexico | 28.9 | 2016 | 28 | North America |
Malta | 28.9 | 2016 | 29 | Europe |
South Africa | 28.3 | 2016 | 30 | Africa |
Argentina | 28.3 | 2016 | 31 | South America |
Chile | 28 | 2016 | 32 | South America |
Uruguay | 27.9 | 2016 | 33 | South America |
Dominica | 27.9 | 2016 | 34 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Syria | 27.8 | 2016 | 35 | Middle East |
United Kingdom | 27.8 | 2016 | 36 | Europe |
Dominican Republic | 27.6 | 2016 | 37 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Algeria | 27.4 | 2016 | 38 | Africa |
Oman | 27 | 2016 | 39 | Middle East |
Tunisia | 26.9 | 2016 | 40 | Africa |
Suriname | 26.4 | 2016 | 41 | South America |
Hungary | 26.4 | 2016 | 42 | Europe |
Lithuania | 26.3 | 2016 | 43 | Europe |
Morocco | 26.1 | 2016 | 44 | Africa |
Israel | 26.1 | 2016 | 45 | Middle East |
Czechia | 26 | 2016 | 46 | Europe |
Iran | 25.8 | 2016 | 47 | Middle East |
Costa Rica | 25.7 | 2016 | 48 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Venezuela | 25.6 | 2016 | 49 | South America |
Andorra | 25.6 | 2016 | 50 | Europe |
Ireland | 25.3 | 2016 | 51 | Europe |
Vanuatu | 25.2 | 2016 | 52 | Australia and Oceania |
Bulgaria | 25 | 2016 | 53 | Europe |
Greece | 24.9 | 2016 | 54 | Europe |
Jamaica | 24.7 | 2016 | 55 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Cuba | 24.6 | 2016 | 56 | Central America and the Caribbean |
El Salvador | 24.6 | 2016 | 57 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Belarus | 24.5 | 2016 | 58 | Europe |
Croatia | 24.4 | 2016 | 59 | Europe |
Belize | 24.1 | 2016 | 60 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Ukraine | 24.1 | 2016 | 61 | Europe |
Spain | 23.8 | 2016 | 62 | Europe |
Nicaragua | 23.7 | 2016 | 63 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 23.7 | 2016 | 64 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Latvia | 23.6 | 2016 | 65 | Europe |
Montenegro | 23.3 | 2016 | 66 | Europe |
Norway | 23.1 | 2016 | 67 | Europe |
Poland | 23.1 | 2016 | 68 | Europe |
Barbados | 23.1 | 2016 | 69 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Russia | 23.1 | 2016 | 70 | Central Asia |
Saint Kitts and Nevis | 22.9 | 2016 | 71 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Haiti | 22.7 | 2016 | 72 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Panama | 22.7 | 2016 | 73 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Luxembourg | 22.6 | 2016 | 74 | Europe |
Solomon Islands | 22.5 | 2016 | 75 | Australia and Oceania |
Romania | 22.5 | 2016 | 76 | Europe |
North Macedonia | 22.4 | 2016 | 77 | Europe |
Colombia | 22.3 | 2016 | 78 | South America |
Germany | 22.3 | 2016 | 79 | Europe |
Finland | 22.2 | 2016 | 80 | Europe |
Brazil | 22.1 | 2016 | 81 | South America |
Belgium | 22.1 | 2016 | 82 | Europe |
Iceland | 21.9 | 2016 | 83 | Europe |
Cyprus | 21.8 | 2016 | 84 | Europe |
Georgia | 21.7 | 2016 | 85 | Middle East |
Albania | 21.7 | 2016 | 86 | Europe |
France | 21.6 | 2016 | 87 | Europe |
Serbia | 21.5 | 2016 | 88 | Europe |
Honduras | 21.4 | 2016 | 89 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Papua New Guinea | 21.3 | 2016 | 90 | East and Southeast Asia |
Grenada | 21.3 | 2016 | 91 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Guatemala | 21.2 | 2016 | 92 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Estonia | 21.2 | 2016 | 93 | Europe |
Kazakhstan | 21 | 2016 | 94 | Central Asia |
Portugal | 20.8 | 2016 | 95 | Europe |
Sweden | 20.6 | 2016 | 96 | Europe |
Mongolia | 20.6 | 2016 | 97 | East and Southeast Asia |
Slovakia | 20.5 | 2016 | 98 | Europe |
Netherlands | 20.4 | 2016 | 99 | Europe |
Paraguay | 20.3 | 2016 | 100 | South America |
Armenia | 20.2 | 2016 | 101 | Middle East |
Guyana | 20.2 | 2016 | 102 | South America |
Bolivia | 20.2 | 2016 | 103 | South America |
Slovenia | 20.2 | 2016 | 104 | Europe |
Austria | 20.1 | 2016 | 105 | Europe |
Ecuador | 19.9 | 2016 | 106 | South America |
Azerbaijan | 19.9 | 2016 | 107 | Middle East |
Italy | 19.9 | 2016 | 108 | Europe |
Denmark | 19.7 | 2016 | 109 | Europe |
Peru | 19.7 | 2016 | 110 | South America |
Saint Lucia | 19.7 | 2016 | 111 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Switzerland | 19.5 | 2016 | 112 | Europe |
Moldova | 18.9 | 2016 | 113 | Europe |
Botswana | 18.9 | 2016 | 114 | Africa |
Antigua and Barbuda | 18.9 | 2016 | 115 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Turkmenistan | 18.6 | 2016 | 116 | Central Asia |
Trinidad and Tobago | 18.6 | 2016 | 117 | Central America and the Caribbean |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 17.9 | 2016 | 118 | Europe |
Namibia | 17.2 | 2016 | 119 | Africa |
Yemen | 17.1 | 2016 | 120 | Middle East |
Lesotho | 16.6 | 2016 | 121 | Africa |
Kyrgyzstan | 16.6 | 2016 | 122 | Central Asia |
Uzbekistan | 16.6 | 2016 | 123 | Central Asia |
Eswatini | 16.5 | 2016 | 124 | Africa |
Malaysia | 15.6 | 2016 | 125 | East and Southeast Asia |
Zimbabwe | 15.5 | 2016 | 126 | Africa |
Gabon | 15 | 2016 | 127 | Africa |
Tajikistan | 14.2 | 2016 | 128 | Central Asia |
Brunei | 14.1 | 2016 | 129 | East and Southeast Asia |
Seychelles | 14 | 2016 | 130 | Africa |
Djibouti | 13.5 | 2016 | 131 | Africa |
Mauritania | 12.7 | 2016 | 132 | Africa |
Sao Tome and Principe | 12.4 | 2016 | 133 | Africa |
Cabo Verde | 11.8 | 2016 | 134 | Africa |
Cameroon | 11.4 | 2016 | 135 | Africa |
Ghana | 10.9 | 2016 | 136 | Africa |
Mauritius | 10.8 | 2016 | 137 | Africa |
Gambia, The | 10.3 | 2016 | 138 | Africa |
Cote d'Ivoire | 10.3 | 2016 | 139 | Africa |
Thailand | 10 | 2016 | 140 | East and Southeast Asia |
Liberia | 9.9 | 2016 | 141 | Africa |
Benin | 9.6 | 2016 | 142 | Africa |
Congo, Republic of the | 9.6 | 2016 | 143 | Africa |
Guinea-Bissau | 9.5 | 2016 | 144 | Africa |
Nigeria | 8.9 | 2016 | 145 | Africa |
Senegal | 8.8 | 2016 | 146 | Africa |
Sierra Leone | 8.7 | 2016 | 147 | Africa |
Pakistan | 8.6 | 2016 | 148 | South Asia |
Maldives | 8.6 | 2016 | 149 | South Asia |
Mali | 8.6 | 2016 | 150 | Africa |
Togo | 8.4 | 2016 | 151 | Africa |
Tanzania | 8.4 | 2016 | 152 | Africa |
Somalia | 8.3 | 2016 | 153 | Africa |
Angola | 8.2 | 2016 | 154 | Africa |
Zambia | 8.1 | 2016 | 155 | Africa |
Equatorial Guinea | 8 | 2016 | 156 | Africa |
Comoros | 7.8 | 2016 | 157 | Africa |
Guinea | 7.7 | 2016 | 158 | Africa |
Central African Republic | 7.5 | 2016 | 159 | Africa |
Mozambique | 7.2 | 2016 | 160 | Africa |
Kenya | 7.1 | 2016 | 161 | Africa |
Indonesia | 6.9 | 2016 | 162 | East and Southeast Asia |
Korea, North | 6.8 | 2016 | 163 | East and Southeast Asia |
Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 6.7 | 2016 | 164 | Africa |
Sudan | 6.6 | 2014 | 165 | Africa |
South Sudan | 6.6 | 2014 | 166 | Africa |
Philippines | 6.4 | 2016 | 167 | East and Southeast Asia |
Bhutan | 6.4 | 2016 | 168 | South Asia |
China | 6.2 | 2016 | 169 | East and Southeast Asia |
Singapore | 6.1 | 2016 | 170 | East and Southeast Asia |
Chad | 6.1 | 2016 | 171 | Africa |
Rwanda | 5.8 | 2016 | 172 | Africa |
Burma | 5.8 | 2016 | 173 | East and Southeast Asia |
Malawi | 5.8 | 2016 | 174 | Africa |
Burkina Faso | 5.6 | 2016 | 175 | Africa |
Niger | 5.5 | 2016 | 176 | Africa |
Afghanistan | 5.5 | 2016 | 177 | South Asia |
Burundi | 5.4 | 2016 | 178 | Africa |
Laos | 5.3 | 2016 | 179 | East and Southeast Asia |
Uganda | 5.3 | 2016 | 180 | Africa |
Madagascar | 5.3 | 2016 | 181 | Africa |
Sri Lanka | 5.2 | 2016 | 182 | South Asia |
Eritrea | 5 | 2016 | 183 | Africa |
Korea, South | 4.7 | 2016 | 184 | East and Southeast Asia |
Ethiopia | 4.5 | 2016 | 185 | Africa |
Japan | 4.3 | 2016 | 186 | East and Southeast Asia |
Nepal | 4.1 | 2016 | 187 | South Asia |
Cambodia | 3.9 | 2016 | 188 | East and Southeast Asia |
India | 3.9 | 2016 | 189 | South Asia |
Timor-Leste | 3.8 | 2016 | 190 | East and Southeast Asia |
Bangladesh | 3.6 | 2016 | 191 | South Asia |
Vietnam | 2.1 | 2016 | 192 | East and Southeast Asia |
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Obesity is a global health challenge with multifaceted causes, including insulin resistance, physical inactivity, stress, eating habits, and genetics. Several countries are experiencing high obesity rates, which have significant health and economic implications. Efforts to combat obesity through education, lifestyle changes, and medical interventions remain critical to improving public health worldwide.
For more information on obesity in specific countries, please refer to the respective articles, such as Obesity in the United States, Obesity in Mexico, Obesity in Egypt, Obesity in the United Kingdom, and Obesity in Australia, see links on the page for each country.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD