Worldwide, obesity rates have doubled worldwide since 1980. Three decades ago, 4.8 percent of men and 7.9 percent of women were obese. Today, those numbers have increased to 9.8 percent of men and 13.8 percent of women.
Health experts say this shows that battling obesity is a serious worldwide challenge. It is associated with many serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
According to ABC News:
“While the exact reasons for increased global obesity were still undetermined, experts said changing habits were likely contributors. Diets are different than they were 30 years ago, and modern technology has decreased physical activity.”