AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON OBESITY, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: CURRENT TRENDS AND CHALLENGES IN CHINA AND ASIA

Obesity is the most widespread global metabolic disease and is a significant public health problem. During the last three decades, many countries in Asia are facing a looming health crisis of obesity because of rapid modernization, dramatic changes in lifestyle, high fat and sugar diet, and reduced physical activity resulting partly from the Western lifestyle. However, the lack of comprehensive data on obesity issues in Asia makes it difficult to design and implement effective interventions. The aim of this review article is to document the current trends in obesity in Asian countries from an international perspective, with an emphasis on the current changes in Asia, including the historical aspects, role of genetic factors, changes in diet and physical activity patterns, health complications of obesity, trends in the prevalence of obesity across Asia, and current methods of evaluation and treatment regarding obesity. This review will help our understanding of obesity patterns and risk factors in Asian populations. The results of this review will have important implications for future development of culturally appropriate and effective interventions.