GITNUXREPORT 2026

Diet Statistics

Unhealthy diets drive alarming global obesity and chronic disease rates.

Min-ji Park

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Worldwide, diet causes 11 million deaths, with colorectal cancer comprising 8% of diet-attributable cases in 2017.

Statistic 2

Red meat intake >100g/day increases colorectal cancer risk by 17% per 100g.

Statistic 3

Processed meat consumption classified as Group 1 carcinogen, 18% higher colorectal cancer per 50g/day.

Statistic 4

High fiber diets (>30g/day) reduce colorectal cancer by 17% in meta-analysis.

Statistic 5

Dairy intake >400g/day lowers colorectal cancer risk by 13%.

Statistic 6

Folate intake >400mcg/day reduces colorectal adenomas by 20-30%.

Statistic 7

Alcohol >30g/day increases breast cancer risk by 9% per 10g.

Statistic 8

Soy isoflavones reduce breast cancer recurrence by 26% in meta-analysis.

Statistic 9

Cruciferous vegetables 3x/week lower prostate cancer risk by 24%.

Statistic 10

High glycemic load diets increase endometrial cancer by 28%.

Statistic 11

Mediterranean diet adherence reduces overall cancer risk by 10% in EPIC.

Statistic 12

Vitamin D >30ng/ml blood levels lower colorectal cancer mortality by 36%.

Statistic 13

Nuts daily intake reduces cancer mortality by 11% in NIH-AARP cohort.

Statistic 14

Omega-3 >0.25g/day lowers prostate cancer progression by 26%.

Statistic 15

Whole grains >90g/day reduce colorectal cancer by 17%.

Statistic 16

Fruit intake 5+ servings/day lowers lung cancer by 12% in never-smokers.

Statistic 17

Processed foods high intake increases overall cancer by 10% per 10% energy.

Statistic 18

Tea green 3+ cups/day reduces gastric cancer by 30%.

Statistic 19

Calcium >1000mg/day from diet lowers colorectal cancer by 15%.

Statistic 20

Obesity increases postmenopausal breast cancer risk by 20-40%.

Statistic 21

Low selenium status increases prostate cancer risk by 40%.

Statistic 22

Mushrooms frequent intake lowers breast cancer by 35% in Japanese cohort.

Statistic 23

High beta-carotene from veggies reduces esophageal cancer by 22%.

Statistic 24

In U.S., diet suboptimal contributes to 20% of cancers.

Statistic 25

Garlic >4.5g/day reduces stomach cancer by 40%.

Statistic 26

Low-carb diets may increase overall cancer mortality by 8%.

Statistic 27

In EPIC, flavanols from chocolate/tea lower cancer mortality by 10%.

Statistic 28

The age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults aged 20 and over with lower income was 44.8% in 2017–2018.

Statistic 29

Diets high in saturated fats increase LDL cholesterol by up to 15% in meta-analyses.

Statistic 30

Mediterranean diet reduces cardiovascular events by 30% in PREDIMED trial (n=7447).

Statistic 31

High sodium intake (>2g/day) linked to 1.65 million CVD deaths annually worldwide.

Statistic 32

Replacing 5% energy from saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats lowers CVD risk by 17%.

Statistic 33

In the U.S., poor diet contributes to 45% of CVD deaths.

Statistic 34

DASH diet lowers systolic blood pressure by 5-6 mmHg in hypertensives.

Statistic 35

Trans fat intake associated with 23% higher CVD risk per 2% energy increase.

Statistic 36

Fruit and vegetable intake of 5+ servings/day reduces stroke risk by 21%.

Statistic 37

Nut consumption (4 servings/week) reduces CVD mortality by 37% in meta-analysis.

Statistic 38

High glycemic load diets increase CHD risk by 14% in Nurses' Health Study.

Statistic 39

Omega-3 intake from fish reduces sudden cardiac death by 45% in physicians.

Statistic 40

Whole grain intake >3 servings/day lowers CVD risk by 22%.

Statistic 41

In EPIC cohort (n=385k), fiber intake >25g/day reduces CHD by 15%.

Statistic 42

Red meat consumption >0.5 servings/day increases CVD mortality by 23%.

Statistic 43

Plant-based diets reduce CVD risk by 32% in Adventist Health Study-2.

Statistic 44

Coffee intake 3-5 cups/day associated with 15% lower CVD risk.

Statistic 45

Low-fat dairy intake reduces stroke risk by 8% per serving in meta-analysis.

Statistic 46

Sugar-sweetened beverages >1/day increase CVD risk by 26%.

Statistic 47

In Framingham Heart Study, high folate intake lowers homocysteine, reducing CVD by 20%.

Statistic 48

Tea consumption >3 cups/day reduces MI risk by 21% in Dutch cohort.

Statistic 49

High processed meat intake linked to 42% higher CVD mortality.

Statistic 50

Legume intake 4x/week reduces CHD by 22% in meta-analysis.

Statistic 51

Vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) increases CVD risk by 30%.

Statistic 52

In U.S., diet-related CVD deaths: 318k in 2019.

Statistic 53

Potassium intake >3.5g/day lowers stroke risk by 24%.

Statistic 54

In PREDICT study, healthy diet score >50% reduces CVD events by 20%.

Statistic 55

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes among U.S. adults aged 18+ was 11.6% (34.2 million) in 2021.

Statistic 56

Globally, 537 million adults had diabetes in 2021, projected to 783 million by 2045.

Statistic 57

High glycemic index diets increase type 2 diabetes risk by 40% in meta-analyses.

Statistic 58

In Nurses' Health Study (n=165k), whole grains reduce T2D risk by 30% per 3 servings/day.

Statistic 59

Sugar-sweetened beverages daily intake raises T2D risk by 26%.

Statistic 60

Mediterranean diet lowers T2D incidence by 52% in PREDIMED-RevReDi trial.

Statistic 61

Fiber intake >25g/day reduces T2D risk by 19% in EPIC-InterAct.

Statistic 62

Red and processed meat >0.5 servings/day increases T2D by 19%.

Statistic 63

Nut consumption 5x/week lowers T2D risk by 27% in meta-analysis.

Statistic 64

Dairy intake (low-fat) reduces T2D risk by 13% per serving/day.

Statistic 65

In U.S., 90-95% of diabetes cases are type 2.

Statistic 66

Potato consumption frequent increases T2D risk by 33%.

Statistic 67

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce T2D incidence by 15% in meta-analysis.

Statistic 68

Coffee 4+ cups/day lowers T2D risk by 25%.

Statistic 69

Vitamin D supplementation reduces T2D progression by 15% in prediabetes.

Statistic 70

In Health Professionals Follow-up, trans fats increase T2D by 31% per 2% energy.

Statistic 71

Legumes 4x/week lower T2D risk by 23%.

Statistic 72

In China, 140 million adults with diabetes in 2021.

Statistic 73

High fructose intake from beverages raises T2D by 20-30%.

Statistic 74

Plant-based diets reduce T2D risk by 23% in EPIC-Oxford.

Statistic 75

Magnesium intake >320mg/day lowers T2D by 17%.

Statistic 76

In U.S. NHANES, ultra-processed foods >4 servings/day increase T2D odds by 60%.

Statistic 77

Berries frequent intake reduces T2D by 18% in Finnish cohort.

Statistic 78

Resistant starch intake improves glycemic control by 0.5% HbA1c in meta-analysis.

Statistic 79

In PREDIMED, olive oil extra virgin reduces T2D by 40%.

Statistic 80

Depression prevalence is 21% higher among those with poor diet quality.

Statistic 81

Mediterranean diet adherence reduces depressive symptoms by 33% in meta-analysis.

Statistic 82

Omega-3 supplementation (1-2g/day) lowers depression risk by 17%.

Statistic 83

Folate deficiency (<200mcg/day) increases depression odds by 31%.

Statistic 84

High sugar intake (>25% calories) associated with 23% higher depression risk.

Statistic 85

B vitamins (B6,B9,B12) low levels raise depression by 20-30%.

Statistic 86

Probiotic-rich diets reduce anxiety symptoms by 25% in RCTs.

Statistic 87

Caffeine >200mg/day increases anxiety risk by 14%.

Statistic 88

In SMILES trial, diet intervention improved depression scores by 32%.

Statistic 89

Zinc deficiency linked to 30% higher depression prevalence.

Statistic 90

Plant-based diets lower depression odds by 15% in Australian cohort.

Statistic 91

Chocolate frequent intake reduces depression symptoms by 10%.

Statistic 92

Vitamin D <50 nmol/L associated with 34% higher depression risk.

Statistic 93

Fermented foods >3 servings/week lower social anxiety by 20%.

Statistic 94

High saturated fat diets increase depression by 42%.

Statistic 95

Tryptophan-rich foods improve mood scores by 15%.

Statistic 96

In UK Biobank (n=100k), healthy diet reduces depression by 22%.

Statistic 97

Iron deficiency anemia raises postpartum depression by 25%.

Statistic 98

Polyphenol-rich diets (berries) lower cognitive decline/depression by 18%.

Statistic 99

Skipping breakfast increases depression risk by 21% in teens.

Statistic 100

Magnesium >300mg/day reduces PMS/depression symptoms by 30%.

Statistic 101

Ultra-processed foods >4 servings/day raise depression by 48%.

Statistic 102

Saffron supplementation (30mg/day) as effective as antidepressants (65% response).

Statistic 103

In HELFIMED study, diet change remitted depression in 32% vs. 8% control.

Statistic 104

In the United States, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among adults aged 20 and over was 42.4% in 2017–2018, with severe obesity at 9.2%.

Statistic 105

Globally, the prevalence of obesity nearly tripled between 1975 and 2016, affecting over 650 million adults.

Statistic 106

Among U.S. children and adolescents aged 2-19 years, 19.7% had obesity in 2017–2018.

Statistic 107

In Europe, 23% of adults were obese in 2019, with projections to reach 29% by 2030.

Statistic 108

Mexican adults have the highest obesity rate in the OECD at 33.2% in 2022.

Statistic 109

In the UK, 64% of adults were overweight or obese in 2021–2022.

Statistic 110

U.S. adult obesity prevalence increased from 30.5% in 1999–2000 to 41.9% in 2017–2018.

Statistic 111

In Australia, 31.6% of adults were obese in 2017–2018.

Statistic 112

Saudi Arabia reports 35.4% adult obesity prevalence in 2022.

Statistic 113

In India, urban obesity rates rose to 20.1% among women aged 20-49 in NFHS-5 (2019-21).

Statistic 114

Brazilian adults had 22.4% obesity prevalence in 2019.

Statistic 115

Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates at 4.3% among adults in 2016.

Statistic 116

In South Africa, 68% of women are overweight or obese as of 2022.

Statistic 117

U.S. non-Hispanic Black adults have 49.9% obesity prevalence vs. 41.4% for non-Hispanic White in 2017-18.

Statistic 118

Childhood obesity in the EU affected 5.6 million children aged 7-9 in 2018-2019.

Statistic 119

In China, adult obesity prevalence reached 16.4% in 2020.

Statistic 120

Canadian adults: 30% obese in 2018.

Statistic 121

Egypt has 37% adult obesity rate, highest in MENA region per 2022 data.

Statistic 122

In Germany, 24% of adults were obese in 2019.

Statistic 123

U.S. adult men obesity: 43.0%, women: 41.9% in 2017–2018.

Statistic 124

Pacific Islands like Nauru have 61% adult obesity rate in 2016.

Statistic 125

In France, 17% of adults obese in 2019.

Statistic 126

Turkey adult obesity: 31.9% in 2022.

Statistic 127

In the U.S., obesity-related medical costs reached $173 billion in 2019.

Statistic 128

Global overweight children under 5: 38.9 million in 2020.

Statistic 129

Italian adults: 19.9% obesity in 2019.

Statistic 130

In Russia, 24.5% adults obese per 2020 data.

Statistic 131

U.S. states: West Virginia highest adult obesity at 41% in 2023.

Statistic 132

In Qatar, 42.7% adult obesity in 2022.

Statistic 133

Spain adult obesity: 23.2% in 2021.

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The stark reality is that obesity rates have tripled worldwide in just four decades, yet we continue to misunderstand the most powerful medicine we consume every day: our food.

Key Takeaways

  • In the United States, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among adults aged 20 and over was 42.4% in 2017–2018, with severe obesity at 9.2%.
  • Globally, the prevalence of obesity nearly tripled between 1975 and 2016, affecting over 650 million adults.
  • Among U.S. children and adolescents aged 2-19 years, 19.7% had obesity in 2017–2018.
  • The age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults aged 20 and over with lower income was 44.8% in 2017–2018.
  • Diets high in saturated fats increase LDL cholesterol by up to 15% in meta-analyses.
  • Mediterranean diet reduces cardiovascular events by 30% in PREDIMED trial (n=7447).
  • The prevalence of type 2 diabetes among U.S. adults aged 18+ was 11.6% (34.2 million) in 2021.
  • Globally, 537 million adults had diabetes in 2021, projected to 783 million by 2045.
  • High glycemic index diets increase type 2 diabetes risk by 40% in meta-analyses.
  • Worldwide, diet causes 11 million deaths, with colorectal cancer comprising 8% of diet-attributable cases in 2017.
  • Red meat intake >100g/day increases colorectal cancer risk by 17% per 100g.
  • Processed meat consumption classified as Group 1 carcinogen, 18% higher colorectal cancer per 50g/day.
  • Depression prevalence is 21% higher among those with poor diet quality.
  • Mediterranean diet adherence reduces depressive symptoms by 33% in meta-analysis.
  • Omega-3 supplementation (1-2g/day) lowers depression risk by 17%.

Unhealthy diets drive alarming global obesity and chronic disease rates.

Cancer

  • Worldwide, diet causes 11 million deaths, with colorectal cancer comprising 8% of diet-attributable cases in 2017.
  • Red meat intake >100g/day increases colorectal cancer risk by 17% per 100g.
  • Processed meat consumption classified as Group 1 carcinogen, 18% higher colorectal cancer per 50g/day.
  • High fiber diets (>30g/day) reduce colorectal cancer by 17% in meta-analysis.
  • Dairy intake >400g/day lowers colorectal cancer risk by 13%.
  • Folate intake >400mcg/day reduces colorectal adenomas by 20-30%.
  • Alcohol >30g/day increases breast cancer risk by 9% per 10g.
  • Soy isoflavones reduce breast cancer recurrence by 26% in meta-analysis.
  • Cruciferous vegetables 3x/week lower prostate cancer risk by 24%.
  • High glycemic load diets increase endometrial cancer by 28%.
  • Mediterranean diet adherence reduces overall cancer risk by 10% in EPIC.
  • Vitamin D >30ng/ml blood levels lower colorectal cancer mortality by 36%.
  • Nuts daily intake reduces cancer mortality by 11% in NIH-AARP cohort.
  • Omega-3 >0.25g/day lowers prostate cancer progression by 26%.
  • Whole grains >90g/day reduce colorectal cancer by 17%.
  • Fruit intake 5+ servings/day lowers lung cancer by 12% in never-smokers.
  • Processed foods high intake increases overall cancer by 10% per 10% energy.
  • Tea green 3+ cups/day reduces gastric cancer by 30%.
  • Calcium >1000mg/day from diet lowers colorectal cancer by 15%.
  • Obesity increases postmenopausal breast cancer risk by 20-40%.
  • Low selenium status increases prostate cancer risk by 40%.
  • Mushrooms frequent intake lowers breast cancer by 35% in Japanese cohort.
  • High beta-carotene from veggies reduces esophageal cancer by 22%.
  • In U.S., diet suboptimal contributes to 20% of cancers.
  • Garlic >4.5g/day reduces stomach cancer by 40%.
  • Low-carb diets may increase overall cancer mortality by 8%.
  • In EPIC, flavanols from chocolate/tea lower cancer mortality by 10%.

Cancer Interpretation

From the grim reaper's shopping list, it appears that saving your own life requires trading your bacon for broccoli, your beer for green tea, and your couch for the kitchen, as the global dinner plate has become a surprisingly decisive battlefield.

Cardiovascular Disease

  • The age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults aged 20 and over with lower income was 44.8% in 2017–2018.
  • Diets high in saturated fats increase LDL cholesterol by up to 15% in meta-analyses.
  • Mediterranean diet reduces cardiovascular events by 30% in PREDIMED trial (n=7447).
  • High sodium intake (>2g/day) linked to 1.65 million CVD deaths annually worldwide.
  • Replacing 5% energy from saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats lowers CVD risk by 17%.
  • In the U.S., poor diet contributes to 45% of CVD deaths.
  • DASH diet lowers systolic blood pressure by 5-6 mmHg in hypertensives.
  • Trans fat intake associated with 23% higher CVD risk per 2% energy increase.
  • Fruit and vegetable intake of 5+ servings/day reduces stroke risk by 21%.
  • Nut consumption (4 servings/week) reduces CVD mortality by 37% in meta-analysis.
  • High glycemic load diets increase CHD risk by 14% in Nurses' Health Study.
  • Omega-3 intake from fish reduces sudden cardiac death by 45% in physicians.
  • Whole grain intake >3 servings/day lowers CVD risk by 22%.
  • In EPIC cohort (n=385k), fiber intake >25g/day reduces CHD by 15%.
  • Red meat consumption >0.5 servings/day increases CVD mortality by 23%.
  • Plant-based diets reduce CVD risk by 32% in Adventist Health Study-2.
  • Coffee intake 3-5 cups/day associated with 15% lower CVD risk.
  • Low-fat dairy intake reduces stroke risk by 8% per serving in meta-analysis.
  • Sugar-sweetened beverages >1/day increase CVD risk by 26%.
  • In Framingham Heart Study, high folate intake lowers homocysteine, reducing CVD by 20%.
  • Tea consumption >3 cups/day reduces MI risk by 21% in Dutch cohort.
  • High processed meat intake linked to 42% higher CVD mortality.
  • Legume intake 4x/week reduces CHD by 22% in meta-analysis.
  • Vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) increases CVD risk by 30%.
  • In U.S., diet-related CVD deaths: 318k in 2019.
  • Potassium intake >3.5g/day lowers stroke risk by 24%.
  • In PREDICT study, healthy diet score >50% reduces CVD events by 20%.

Cardiovascular Disease Interpretation

Despite a wealth of clear, often delicious, evidence showing exactly how to eat for a healthy heart—from nuts and greens to olive oil and fish—the grim reality is that in America, nearly half of all cardiovascular deaths are still caused by a poor diet, suggesting we'd rather flirt with early mortality than give up our processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages.

Diabetes

  • The prevalence of type 2 diabetes among U.S. adults aged 18+ was 11.6% (34.2 million) in 2021.
  • Globally, 537 million adults had diabetes in 2021, projected to 783 million by 2045.
  • High glycemic index diets increase type 2 diabetes risk by 40% in meta-analyses.
  • In Nurses' Health Study (n=165k), whole grains reduce T2D risk by 30% per 3 servings/day.
  • Sugar-sweetened beverages daily intake raises T2D risk by 26%.
  • Mediterranean diet lowers T2D incidence by 52% in PREDIMED-RevReDi trial.
  • Fiber intake >25g/day reduces T2D risk by 19% in EPIC-InterAct.
  • Red and processed meat >0.5 servings/day increases T2D by 19%.
  • Nut consumption 5x/week lowers T2D risk by 27% in meta-analysis.
  • Dairy intake (low-fat) reduces T2D risk by 13% per serving/day.
  • In U.S., 90-95% of diabetes cases are type 2.
  • Potato consumption frequent increases T2D risk by 33%.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids reduce T2D incidence by 15% in meta-analysis.
  • Coffee 4+ cups/day lowers T2D risk by 25%.
  • Vitamin D supplementation reduces T2D progression by 15% in prediabetes.
  • In Health Professionals Follow-up, trans fats increase T2D by 31% per 2% energy.
  • Legumes 4x/week lower T2D risk by 23%.
  • In China, 140 million adults with diabetes in 2021.
  • High fructose intake from beverages raises T2D by 20-30%.
  • Plant-based diets reduce T2D risk by 23% in EPIC-Oxford.
  • Magnesium intake >320mg/day lowers T2D by 17%.
  • In U.S. NHANES, ultra-processed foods >4 servings/day increase T2D odds by 60%.
  • Berries frequent intake reduces T2D by 18% in Finnish cohort.
  • Resistant starch intake improves glycemic control by 0.5% HbA1c in meta-analysis.
  • In PREDIMED, olive oil extra virgin reduces T2D by 40%.

Diabetes Interpretation

While the world collectively sweetens its way towards a projected 783 million diabetes cases, the path to prevention is deliciously clear: trade your processed potato chips for a Mediterranean platter of nuts, legumes, and olive oil, because your fork is a much more powerful tool than your future insulin pen.

Mental Health

  • Depression prevalence is 21% higher among those with poor diet quality.
  • Mediterranean diet adherence reduces depressive symptoms by 33% in meta-analysis.
  • Omega-3 supplementation (1-2g/day) lowers depression risk by 17%.
  • Folate deficiency (<200mcg/day) increases depression odds by 31%.
  • High sugar intake (>25% calories) associated with 23% higher depression risk.
  • B vitamins (B6,B9,B12) low levels raise depression by 20-30%.
  • Probiotic-rich diets reduce anxiety symptoms by 25% in RCTs.
  • Caffeine >200mg/day increases anxiety risk by 14%.
  • In SMILES trial, diet intervention improved depression scores by 32%.
  • Zinc deficiency linked to 30% higher depression prevalence.
  • Plant-based diets lower depression odds by 15% in Australian cohort.
  • Chocolate frequent intake reduces depression symptoms by 10%.
  • Vitamin D <50 nmol/L associated with 34% higher depression risk.
  • Fermented foods >3 servings/week lower social anxiety by 20%.
  • High saturated fat diets increase depression by 42%.
  • Tryptophan-rich foods improve mood scores by 15%.
  • In UK Biobank (n=100k), healthy diet reduces depression by 22%.
  • Iron deficiency anemia raises postpartum depression by 25%.
  • Polyphenol-rich diets (berries) lower cognitive decline/depression by 18%.
  • Skipping breakfast increases depression risk by 21% in teens.
  • Magnesium >300mg/day reduces PMS/depression symptoms by 30%.
  • Ultra-processed foods >4 servings/day raise depression by 48%.
  • Saffron supplementation (30mg/day) as effective as antidepressants (65% response).
  • In HELFIMED study, diet change remitted depression in 32% vs. 8% control.

Mental Health Interpretation

It seems our brains are staging a full-scale rebellion against the drive-thru window, mounting compelling evidence that a real, whole-food diet might be the most sophisticated antidepressant on the market.

Obesity

  • In the United States, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among adults aged 20 and over was 42.4% in 2017–2018, with severe obesity at 9.2%.
  • Globally, the prevalence of obesity nearly tripled between 1975 and 2016, affecting over 650 million adults.
  • Among U.S. children and adolescents aged 2-19 years, 19.7% had obesity in 2017–2018.
  • In Europe, 23% of adults were obese in 2019, with projections to reach 29% by 2030.
  • Mexican adults have the highest obesity rate in the OECD at 33.2% in 2022.
  • In the UK, 64% of adults were overweight or obese in 2021–2022.
  • U.S. adult obesity prevalence increased from 30.5% in 1999–2000 to 41.9% in 2017–2018.
  • In Australia, 31.6% of adults were obese in 2017–2018.
  • Saudi Arabia reports 35.4% adult obesity prevalence in 2022.
  • In India, urban obesity rates rose to 20.1% among women aged 20-49 in NFHS-5 (2019-21).
  • Brazilian adults had 22.4% obesity prevalence in 2019.
  • Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates at 4.3% among adults in 2016.
  • In South Africa, 68% of women are overweight or obese as of 2022.
  • U.S. non-Hispanic Black adults have 49.9% obesity prevalence vs. 41.4% for non-Hispanic White in 2017-18.
  • Childhood obesity in the EU affected 5.6 million children aged 7-9 in 2018-2019.
  • In China, adult obesity prevalence reached 16.4% in 2020.
  • Canadian adults: 30% obese in 2018.
  • Egypt has 37% adult obesity rate, highest in MENA region per 2022 data.
  • In Germany, 24% of adults were obese in 2019.
  • U.S. adult men obesity: 43.0%, women: 41.9% in 2017–2018.
  • Pacific Islands like Nauru have 61% adult obesity rate in 2016.
  • In France, 17% of adults obese in 2019.
  • Turkey adult obesity: 31.9% in 2022.
  • In the U.S., obesity-related medical costs reached $173 billion in 2019.
  • Global overweight children under 5: 38.9 million in 2020.
  • Italian adults: 19.9% obesity in 2019.
  • In Russia, 24.5% adults obese per 2020 data.
  • U.S. states: West Virginia highest adult obesity at 41% in 2023.
  • In Qatar, 42.7% adult obesity in 2022.
  • Spain adult obesity: 23.2% in 2021.

Obesity Interpretation

From America's supersized portions to Japan's disciplined diet, the world is collectively losing the battle of the bulge, proving that when it comes to our health, we are what we eat—and we are, alarmingly, an awful lot.

Sources & References