Obesity Tied to Diet More Than Declining Activity

July 18, 2025

A global study of 4,213 adults across 34 populations has determined that increased calorie consumption, rather than decreased energy expenditure, is the primary driver of obesity in economically developed societies. The research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that increased energy intake was approximately ten times more influential than declining energy expenditure in causing the modern obesity crisis. Among African Americans, obesity affects nearly 48 percent of adults, with higher rates among women (56.

Who is affected

Adults in economically developed societies
African American adults (48% clinically obese, including 37.1% of men and 56.6% of women)
Global populations across different economic development levels
People with limited access to stable housing, income, education, healthy food, and safe places for physical activity

What action is being taken

Researchers are conducting extensive studies across 34 populations worldwide to analyze the relationship between energy expenditure, diet, and obesity
Scientists are measuring total energy expenditure using the doubly labeled water method and examining its relationship with body composition
Researchers are analyzing the impact of ultra-processed foods on body fat percentage
Public health experts are identifying the primary factors driving obesity in economically developed societies

Why it matters

Obesity causes more than 4 million deaths and 140 million disability-adjusted life years worldwide annually
Understanding the primary drivers of obesity (increased calorie intake vs. decreased energy expenditure) helps target effective interventions
The research challenges assumptions about physical activity's role in obesity prevention
Rising economic development has introduced widespread access to ultra-processed foods that may disrupt satiety signals and encourage higher calorie absorption
Significant health disparities exist in obesity rates, particularly affecting African American communities

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint