Why Obesity is More Common in Poorer Countries Than Richer Ones: What is the Reason?

Today, more than 1 billion people worldwide live with obesity, meaning every eighth inhabitant of the planet is affected. However, scientists have identified a surprising trend: the rise of obesity has halted and even begun to decline in wealthy, developed nations. Conversely, in low- and middle-income poorer countries, this issue is rapidly worsening.

Researchers from the international NCD-RisC network analyzed data collected since 1980 from 232 million individuals across 200 countries to reach this conclusion. This sensational scientific study was published in the prestigious journal Nature.

Obesity rates have stabilized in Western Europe, North America, Australia, and some wealthy Asian nations. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable among children and adolescents. In fact, a slight decrease in indicators has been recorded in some countries.

According to scientists, the primary reasons for this disparity are as follows:

 In developed countries: The population has high health literacy, quality and natural foods are accessible, healthcare is well-advanced, and government prevention programs are operating successfully.

 In developing countries: People have transitioned to a more sedentary lifestyle and heavily consume cheap, highly processed products loaded with additives (such as fast food and semi-finished goods). Local healthcare systems are failing to adapt to these changes quickly enough.

Obesity among children is rising at an alarming rate across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Experts warn that it is now incorrect to generalizedly refer to this as a "global obesity epidemic." Because the situation is unfolding differently in each region, there is no single, universal formula to combat this disease. Obesity is not merely a cosmetic issue; it is a primary trigger for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and liver illnesses.