8 - Obesity in the developing world

Abstract

Obesity has emerged as a significant public health problem in developed as well as in developing countries and the rates are increasing rapidly worldwide, so much so that it can be labeled an “epidemic.” This chapter examines whether these claims are true for developing countries. Emphasis is placed on evidence from nationally representative surveys, and comparisons of obesity levels found in various countries are made to the United States, where obesity is perceived to be a major threat to public health. Attempts are made to document trends in obesity difficult to do because of the paucity of data, as well as to describe the “social mapping” of obesity; this is quantifying how obesity varies by socioeconomic status, which has relevance to planning, because it identifies the groups most affected within countries. Much of the information presented in the chapter is based on surveys, subsequently released to the public. After reviewing the information available about obesity rates for women, men, school children, and preschool children, policy and program implications are considered.