Globally, one in three adults is now considered overweight or obese. In 1980 it was one in five.
The Future Diets report analysed existing data and found the steepest rise has been in developing nations like Mexico and Egypt, where people are spending their increasing disposable incomes on fatty, sugary foods. Numbers almost quadrupled from 250 million to 904 million.
The report also said that western countries which have been dealing with the obesity problem for longer have so far failed to tackle it effectively.
It highlighted a more successful mass campaign in South Korea to train women how to prepare traditional low-fat meals.
The report suggests following the example of some American states in taxing things like fizzy drinks and sugary sweets. It also warns if current global trends continue, there will be a huge increase in heart attacks, strokes and diabetes.
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(here) biggest
money left after spending on essential things like food and accommodation
became four times larger
(here) legally making something more expensive so it is less affordable
drinks with high amounts of sugar and gas added to make them bubbly
patterns
medical condition in which brain cells suddenly die due to lack of blood supply