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In 2024, the various pitfalls of obesity remain quite well-documented. Obese individuals are significantly more likely to struggle with cancer, sleep apnea, different organ diseases, and other afflictions. The importance of being in good physical shape extends far beyond vanity or aesthetics.

Health officials generally recommend people avoid obesity by minding their diets, physical activity rates, and sleep schedules. Someone who eats fairly well, gets their exercise in, and sleeps adequately is less susceptible to obesity than their unhealthier, inactive, and more sleep-deprived counterparts.

Despite the documented impacts of obesity, this health condition is increasing, not decreasing, as time goes on. Over the past 34 years alone, the global rate of obesity has skyrocketed.

What you should know about obesity around the world

Findings from The Lancet reveal that for every eight people across the globe, at least one person is obese. As of 2022, 43% of adults met the criteria for obesity. Even more alarmingly, young children and adolescents are likewise seeing their rates of obesity climb.

Southeast Asia, North Africa, Sub-saharan Africa, and the Middle East are among regions that struggle the most with people maintaining a healthy weight.

Researchers with The Lancet feel that access to healthy food will play a major role in driving down obesity rates. After all, both the war in Ukraine and the COVID pandemic have led to upticks in healthy food prices.

Individuals living in poverty remain more likely to consume food that lacks nutritional value, yet is high in empty calories. Over time, this paves the way to obesity, along with a litany of other health and lifestyle problems.

Why obesity could continue to increase

Today, people are much more sedentary than the ancestors who came before them. In many countries around the world, almost anyone can easily order food from an app, rather than having to walk to the store for a meal.

Likewise, as remote and hybrid work styles gain popularity, people have to put in more conscious efforts to stay physically active on a regular basis. Sedentary living, combined with unhealthy eating, creates a perfect storm that saddles people with the chronic disease known as obesity.