Share:
Since 1975, global obesity levels have tripled. The most recent figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) found that over 1.9 billion adults were overweight and over 650 million were obese. These figures continue to rise despite attempts by governments and organizations to reverse the trends. The problem is so prevalent that WHO coined the term ‘Globesity’ – back in 2001.
Inactivity and excess weight result in an increased risk of death. Obesity – defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30 – is a significant risk factor for many of the world’s top causes of death, including strokes, heart disease, diabetes, and numerous forms of cancer. A study in 2017 called the Global Burden of Disease found that obesity had led to 4.7 million dying prematurely that year. That was four times the number of people who died globally from traffic accidents.