"Previous research has suggested that urbanization is a primary factor in the rise in obesity around the world. However, a new large-scale study contradicts this, indicating that the increase in obesity rates is more significant among people in rural areas."

Do we have the wrong idea about the global obesity 'epidemic?'

Published Sunday 12 May 2019

Previous research has suggested that urbanization is a primary factor in the rise in obesity around the world. However, a new large-scale study contradicts this, indicating that the increase in obesity rates is more significant among people in rural areas.

The authors believe that this might be because rural populations in high-income countries typically enjoy fewer benefits than their urban counterparts, having lower incomes, more restricted access to education, and less access to healthful foods due to high costs.

"Discussions around public health tend to focus more on the negative aspects of living in cities," notes Prof. Ezzati. "In fact, cities provide a wealth of opportunities for better nutrition, more physical exercise and recreation, and overall improved health."

"These things are often harder to find in rural areas," he emphasizes.