Analysis of global BMI trends from 1980 to 2008 projects a continued sharp increase in obesity, with women showing higher BMI trends than men and developing nations potentially exceeding developed ones.
The obesity epidemic is rising sharply in developing nations, driven by socioeconomic disparities, requiring systemic policy and environmental interventions rather than just individual-level focus.
Obesity is a significant public health concern affecting more than half a billion people worldwide. Obesity rise is not only limited to developed countries, but to developing nations as well. This paper aims to compare the mean body mass index trends in the World Health Organisation- (WHO-) categorised regions since 1980 to 2008 and secondly to appraise how socioeconomic disparities can lead to differences in obesity and physical activity level across developing nations. Taking into account past and current BMI trends, it is anticipated that obesity will continue to take a significant ascent, as observed by the sharp increase from 1999 to 2008. Gender differences in BMI will continue to be as apparent, that is, women showing a higher BMI trend than men. In the coming years, the maximum mean BMI in more developed countries might be exceeded by those in less developed ones. Rather than focusing on obesity at the individual level, the immediate environment of the obese individual to broader socioeconomic contexts should be targeted. Most importantly, incentives at several organisational levels, the media, and educational institutions along with changes in food policies will need to be provided to low-income populations.
Bhurosy et al. (Wed,) conducted a review in Obesity. Analysis of global BMI trends from 1980 to 2008 projects a continued sharp increase in obesity, with women showing higher BMI trends than men and developing nations potentially exceeding developed ones.