WHO data also shows that the number of overweight adults in the world is expected to rise from 1.6 billion in 2005 to 2.3 billion by 2015. Ironically, the WHO did not even have data on obesity 50 years ago.
A survey in U.K. said that in 1951 the average British woman had a waist size of 27.5 inches (70 centimeters). By 2004, her waistline had grown to 34 in. (86 cm).
There was no comparative data for British men for 1951, but a 2004 SizeUK survey said their waistlines averaged 37 in. (94 cm).
Obesity is linked to many ailments including diabetes, heart diseases and some types of cancer. Prosperous Western and Middle Eastern economies and even tiny Pacific island-nations make up the top 10 list of countries with adult obese and diabetic populations. Nauru topped both lists with a 78.5 percent obese population and a 30.7 percent diabetics.
The U.S. was 5th on the adult obese population tally, with a 32.2 percent rating. Other rich nations in the obese population list include Saudi Arabia 35.6 percent, United Arab Emirates 33.7 percent, Bahrain 28.9 percent, Kuwait 28.8 percent, Seychelles 25.1 percent and U.K. 24.2 percent.
Major reasons for the rising obesity incidents include the popularity of fastfoods. A survey by marketing firm Synovate, which polled 9,000 people in 13 nations across five continents, said Britons are the most attached to fastfoods, followed by Americans.
Steve Garton of Synovate observed a contradictory value system and practices when it comes to their food and weight. "The results show there's a world of people who cannot deny themselves that hamburger or extra piece of pizza, but probably make themselves feel better by washing it down with a diet cola," BBC quoted Garton as saying.
