Americans tend to think that obesity is a home-grown phenomenon, a reflection of our consumer-oriented society. Yet, obesity is a global phenomenon and not only in other Western industrialized countries. In fact, obesity is occurring throughout the world at a rapid pace and in a lot of countries you might not expect. Here’s a sample of some recent studies.

Obesity prevalence in male school children in Saudi Arabia was found to be 9.7% and 14.2% for overweight, approaching levels in developed countries. It was noted in the study that mothers of obese and overweight children had less education and worked more. The children also missed breakfast more, had frequent consumption of fast food and low daily consumption of fruits, vegetables and dairy products.  Overweight and Obesity and their Association with Dietary Habits, and Sociodemographic Characteristics Among Male Primary School Children in Al-Hassa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  

We have previously looked at increases of obesity in China. Now, there is a review article of the epidemics of obesity, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome The emerging epidemic of obesity, diabetes… [Cardiol Res Pract. 2012] – PubMed – NCBI  Here’s a number of staggering proportions: the number of overweight or obese Chinese: 401 Million, a prevalence of 29.9%.

Greenland sees changes in physical activity among the native Inuit people who are experiencing rapid social transition. Compared to traditional hunters and fishermen, women in the latest stage of change engage in less domestic physical activity; men in less occupational physical activity. Physical activity patterns in Greenlan… [Scand J Public Health. 2011] – PubMed – NCBI 

A study from western Iran found the incidence of type 2 diabetes was increased by obesity at all ages and by extreme leanness in childhood. Being obese throughout life doubled type 2 diabetes prevalence in women. And here’s something you don’t find in many studies: prevalence was increased by green tea and opium consumption. Diabetes mellitus and its correlates in an Iranian … [PLoS One. 2011] – PubMed – NCBI 

A study of 14,425 subjects in Nepal found that 32% were obese, 28% were overweight, 6.3% were diabetic and 34% had hypertension. Prevalence was higher in the less educated, those working at home and women. Prevalence of hypertension, obesity, diabete… [Int J Hypertens. 2011] – PubMed – NCBI Nepal is one of the low and middle income countries hit with both infectious disease burden as well as rising incidence of non-communicable diseases frequently characterized by obesity. Low health literacy rates complicate strategies to address the challenges. Obesity prevalence in Nepal:… [Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2010] – PubMed – NCBI

 An obesity rate of 53.9% is reported in Sudan The state of heart disease in Sudan. [Cardiovasc J Afr. 2011 Jul-Aug] – PubMed – NCBI

If you are wondering about Ubeki-beki-beki-stan-stan-stan, there is news there too. A national survey has found a strong association between obesity and hypertension in Uzbekistan. Epidemiology of obesity and hypertension and… [Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006] – PubMed – NCBI