Obesity in resource-poor nations

Obesity is increasing in resource-poor nations at an alarming rate. Obesity is a risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and high-risk pregnancy. The combination of obesity and its concomitant diseases affects more women than men. Obesity places a large burden on an already thinly stretched health system that creates a public health challenge. Given faster population growth, increased urbanization, and lifestyle changes, an epidemic of obesity is expected in resource-poor nations within the next decade. Diet, exercise, medication, and weight-loss surgery are methods of weight reduction, but cultural and public health considerations must be assessed when implementing these various methods of weight loss.