Across the globe obesity levels are higher in rural areas

A major new study published in the journal Nature contradicts the previous belief that urbanisation is a primary factor in the global rise of obesity.  The study found that rates of obesity across the world have grown more rapidly in rural areas. 

The study from Imperial College London led a global team of more than 1,000 experts.  The experts analysed health data from more than 200 countries that included more than 112 million people over a 32 year period.  

The study found that between 1985 and 2017 the average BMI in rural areas grew by 2.1kg/m2 for both men and women.  In urban areas the average BMI increased by 1.3kg/m2 for women and 1.6kg/m2 for men.