The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says in a new report that emerging economies such as Brazil, China, India, and Russia should take action immediately to reverse a rising incidence of obesity.
In a report published in the medical journal "The Lancet," the Paris-based OECD said unhealthy diets and physical inactivity have been pushing obesity rates in developing countries closer to those of wealthier countries such as those in the European Union and the United States, where half of the population is already overweight and one in six people is considered obese.
The report says that seven of 10 Mexican adults are now overweight or obese, while nearly half of all Brazilians, Russians, and South Africans are also in this category.
The OECD suggests that countries take specific action to address the pending obesity epidemic now, instead of waiting until the costs of treating obesity-releated illnesses is more expensive.
compiled from agency reports
In a report published in the medical journal "The Lancet," the Paris-based OECD said unhealthy diets and physical inactivity have been pushing obesity rates in developing countries closer to those of wealthier countries such as those in the European Union and the United States, where half of the population is already overweight and one in six people is considered obese.
The report says that seven of 10 Mexican adults are now overweight or obese, while nearly half of all Brazilians, Russians, and South Africans are also in this category.
The OECD suggests that countries take specific action to address the pending obesity epidemic now, instead of waiting until the costs of treating obesity-releated illnesses is more expensive.
compiled from agency reports
