Why Do Overweight and Obesity Continue to Rise?

There are significant factors directly associated with too much weight gain

25 December 2019 (Wall Street International)* — Obesity and overweight were once conditions that concerned only high-income families in developed countries. But, sooner than later, these also became the problem among the middle and low-income groups in developing nations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of obese and overweight worldwide has increased almost triple times since 1975.

The data gathered in 2016 showed that there were more than 1.9 billion adults who were overweight. Of this figure, 650 million were listed obese. Sadder still is that obesity and overweight cases are hitting not only adults.

Studies found that in many areas there are children as young as five years old who are getting overweight or obese. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2019 there were already around 38.2 million children worldwide under 5 years who are obese. If left unchecked this number is likely to continue in the next few years. This is alarming because these cases lead to serious diseases and health conditions.

Causes of obesity and overweight

There are significant factors directly associated with too much weight gain. Some medical issues and physical problems result in obesity. But health expert Dr. Joel Fuhrman sums up the core of it all. He says obesity and overweight are caused by an imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended.

This means that people eat more energy-dense foods that are high in fat while engaging in less physical activity. Dr. Fuhrman essentially points to poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyles as major contributing factors to weight gain.