Epidemiology and Discrimination in Obesity

Obesity is a growing epidemic, with 33 % of the world’s population being overweight or obese. The epidemic is posing great economic and social challenges to many countries and is already a major political factor. Through a comprehensive review of the literature and global statistics, we describe the obesity epidemic, the dynamics responsible, and the associated disparities and discrimination. Only through a better understanding of the scope and forces behind this global health burden can we better guide the necessary prevention and treatment.