The world is becoming a heavier place and gone are the days where the need for a smaller waistline is purely cosmetic.

Obesity rates worldwide have doubled in the last three decades, according to three new studies. It seems that being obese is no longer just a Western-dominant problem. In 1980, about 5 % of men and 8 % of women worldwide were obese. By 2008, the rates were nearly 10 % for men and 14 % for women. That means 205 million men and 297 million women weighed in as obese. Plus, another 1.5 billion adults were overweight, according to the obesity study.

Though richer countries did a better job of keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control, researchers said people nearly everywhere are piling on the pounds, except in a few places including central Africa and South Asia.

The research confirms earlier trends about mounting obesity and the three papers provide the most comprehensive, recent global look at body mass index, cholesterol and blood pressure. Body mass index is a measurement based on weight and height. People with a BMI of 18-24 are considered to have a healthy weight. Those with a BMI of 25 or above are overweight and people with a BMI of 30 or more are classified as obese.

Experts warned the increasing numbers of obese people could lead to a “global tsunami of cardiovascular disease.” Obesity is also linked to higher rates of cancer and diabetes, and is estimated to cause about 3 million deaths worldwide every year.

The sad thing is that these deaths are completely preventable. While we don’t pretend to think that losing weight is a simple task, we do realise that firstly, you need to make the choice. Losing body fat is an incredibly powerful experience. You are actualising something that only you have the power to do and only you will truly experience the personal reward.

Talk to us about embarking on one of our effective Shake It weight management programs, or click here for more information.