USA and Mexico Are The Fattest Countries In The World
Author: Dr. Lee
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Time: 2010/11/18 17:25:58
Thirty percent of Mexican adults are obese as are 28% of Americans, the two fattest nations in the world, according to a book just published by the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). OECD Obesity rates have risen from well below 10% before 1980 to at least double that amount in most countries, and triple in others. Obesity has climbed up to the top of the public health policy agenda globally, says the OECD. In nearly half of all OECD countries over half the population is overweight or obese.
The OECD is a Paris-based organization, which brings together 33 of the world's leading economies.
Obesity is defined by having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30, while overweight people's BMIs are over 25. If a person's bodyweight is at least 20% higher than it should be, he or she is considered obese.
The authors of the report say that the solutions for the obesity epidemic are not simple and within reach, as many people believe. Policy makers, doctors and other health professionals, as well as academics have a huge task ahead of understanding the epidemic and working out counter strategies that are effective.
