[Obesity and developing countries of the south]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Nutrition Science

Context:

• Excess body weight, defined by body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 (overweight) and ≥ 30.0 kg/m2 (obese), is a significant risk factor for chronic diseases like diabetes.
• Historically concentrated in developed nations, overweight and obesity are now epidemic in developing countries, with over 30% prevalence in Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and North Africa.
• Pacific and Indian Ocean islands exhibit the highest global obesity rates, while Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa show increasing incidence, especially in urban areas, often alongside persistent underweight issues.

Purpose:

• To highlight the global spread and increasing incidence of overweight and obesity, particularly in developing regions.
• To identify key contributing factors, including dietary shifts towards lipid-rich foods and decreased physical activity.
• To underscore the urgent need for public health interventions, surveillance, and prevention programs.

Summary:

• The global prevalence of overweight and obesity is rising alarmingly, extending into developing countries and affecting all socioeconomic strata, including children and adolescents.
• Key drivers include a transition to unhealthy diets and reduced physical activity, particularly in urban populations.
• The co-existence of underweight and overweight conditions presents a complex nutritional challenge, exacerbated by the long-term risks of obesity-related diseases and associated economic burdens.

Impact:

• Obesity and related chronic diseases represent a growing public health crisis with substantial economic costs, demanding immediate attention.
• Early-life malnutrition can predispose individuals to obesity later in life, creating a dual burden in regions with existing nutritional deficiencies.
• Effective surveillance and prevention strategies are crucial to mitigate the escalating impact of excess weight on global health and economies.