Developing nations facing 'obesity epidemic'

Washington, Nov 11: A global policy group has called on the governments of developing nations to take comprehensive action to tackle the rising incidence of obesity.

According to a new report released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), obesity levels have reached endemic proportions in such countries.

The OECD assessed obesity levels in the emerging countries of Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa. Rates in Brazil and South Africa already outstrip the OECD average.

It said low-income countries could not cope with the health consequences of wide-scale obesity.

According to OECD, the increasing prosperity in some developing countries has led to a rise in 'Western' lifestyles, thus resulting in an obesity surge.

ANI