Obesity is a major problem in the world and has been an increasing issue in Asia, especially China. Ian Caterson, said that it is because of the genes and environment, specifically, the change in the environment. Because there is more food coming into this world, more people are gaining a lot of unnecessary weight. Moreover, urbanization and reduced physical activity in their cultures have made us put more weight on, and keeping it there. Plus, there were alterations to the type and the amount of food we eat. More fast foods are being made because it tastes good and it’s easy to make.

For a long time, obesity concerns were only in the West, since the food was not expensive, but very fast and fatty. Physical activity was becoming physical inactivity a norm, rather than an exception.

Now, Asians are catching up. This is the result of urbanization and industrialization. As modernization rises, physical activity plummets, and obesity levels shoot up. Asia used to be where malaria, typhoid and malnutrition were the problems and major killers, but because of the increasing obesity levels, Asians are catching those “Western diseases,” like diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. Basically, Asians are getting sick from too much food, instead of not having enough.

Not only does fast food and laziness have anything to with obesity, but genetics as well. From multiple studies, scientists found that Asians are genetically prone to store more fat around the abdomen, which links to heart disease and diabetes.

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Physical inactivity, while consuming foods and drinks, is a huge contributor to the rising obesity levels in Asia.