Obesity and diabetes: Understanding the global surge and how to solve it
The prevalence of obesity and diabetes has grown worldwide, presenting notable challenges to public health and health care systems.
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the causes and implications of these conditions is essential for developing effective prevention and management strategies.
The rise: contributing factors
The global rise in obesity and diabetes can be attributed to several interconnected factors:
First among them are dietary shifts in which modern diets are dominated by ultraprocessed foods high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, large portion sizes and empty calories, fueling the obesity and diabetes epidemic.
The trend is also influenced by stress and mental health. Chronic stress, circadian rhythm imbalances and mood disorders contribute to emotional eating behaviors, leading to weight gain and insulin resistance.
Next is the emergence of sedentary lifestyles via technological advancements and economic shifts that have significantly reduced physical activity.
Some additional influences include socioeconomic disparities, genetic predispositions, food engineering, hormonal imbalances and changes in gut microbiome — all of which further compound the issue.
These factors interact in complex ways, creating a global health challenge that demands interdisciplinary solutions.
Prevalence and trends
Obesity and diabetes prevalence has increased significantly in recent decades, creating an enormous economic and healthcare burden. Since 1980, the prevalence of diabetes has risen more than 5-fold, whereas obesity rates have tripled. While developed nations, such as the United States, report high rates, developing countries, particularly in urban areas, are experiencing rapid increases. Alarmingly, the trend is now evident in younger populations, further amplifying long-term risks.
Additionally, the impact of socioeconomic factors on obesity and diabetes cannot be overstated. Lower income populations face barriers to accessing healthy food, often relying on cheaper, processed options. Limited health literacy and understanding of nutrition in less-educated populations correlates with higher obesity and diabetes rates. Meanwhile, a lack of insurance and limited preventive care delay diagnosis and treatment, disproportionately affecting underserved communities.
These socioeconomic challenges create a cyclical pattern of health risks that exacerbate economic and social inequalities.
The prevalence of obesity and diabetes are also influenced by cultural attitudes toward body weight and health.
- In Western societies, complex body image dynamics coexist with rising obesity rates.
- In Middle Eastern cultures, larger body sizes are traditionally associated with prosperity.
- Asian communities emphasize slim physiques but face increasing cases of so-called hidden obesity.
- In African regions, perceptions of body weight are shaped by local traditions.
Globalization, health awareness and medical advancements are gradually shifting these attitudes, highlighting the interplay between cultural philosophy and health behaviors.
Implications, solutions for health care stakeholders
The obesity and diabetes epidemic places enormous pressure on health care systems. Annual costs related to obesity are estimated at $1.4 trillion in the United States. This financial burden stems from increased demand for chronic disease management, resource reallocation toward specialized treatments, strain on health care infrastructure and professional training and indirect impacts on economic productivity.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive public health redesign, emphasizing preventive care and resource optimization.
Health care providers play a pivotal role in combating the obesity and diabetes epidemic. Effective approaches include implementation of routine metabolic screenings to enable early detection and intervention. Moreover, clinical strategies should include the development of culturally sensitive education programs tailored to diverse populations.
Addressing the challenges of obesity and diabetes tandem will also require interdisciplinary care that fosters collaboration among health care professionals. This includes mental health integration to address the psychological factors contributing to obesity and diabetes. Increased use of digital technologies, such as telehealth and mobile health tools, can expand access to care for both conditions.
Finally, clinicians will also need to step up their advocacy efforts and support public health policies promoting healthier lifestyles.
A shift toward preventive, patient-centered care is essential to tackle the complex physiological, psychological, and social factors driving these diseases.
Resources for clinicians
The Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) offers valuable resources to support clinicians:
- Obesity Pillars journal: A peer-reviewed source of evidence-based research and clinical guidelines.
- Monthly webinars: Interactive opportunities to deepen knowledge of metabolic disorders.
- OMA courses: Fundamental education that equips health care professionals with practical strategies to address obesity and diabetes.
By using these resources and implementing effective strategies, health care providers can help address the global increase in obesity and diabetes, enhancing health outcomes for diverse populations.
Reference:
Economic impact of obesity increased to $1.4 trillion, says Milken Institute. Available at: https://milkeninstitute.org/content-hub/news-releases/economic-impact-obesity-increased-14-trillion-says-milken-institute. Published Dec. 6, 2020. Accessed March 14, 2025.