Energy expenditure and obesity across the economic spectrum.

Global economic growth has been linked to rising obesity rates and related health issues. A recent study involving 4,213 adults from 34 diverse populations across six continents explores the role of energy expenditure and diet in this trend.

While economic development was associated with increased body mass, BMI, and body fat, it also led to higher total and basal energy expenditures. However, body size-adjusted energy expenditures actually decreased by 6-11% in more developed populations, with significant variability across different lifestyles.

Interestingly, the study found that dietary intake—particularly the consumption of ultra-processed foods—played a much larger role in obesity. Economically developed populations had higher energy intake, which correlated more strongly with higher body fat than changes in energy expenditure.

This research highlights the critical role of dietary habits in the global obesity epidemic, suggesting that caloric intake, rather than reduced energy expenditure, is the more significant contributor to obesity linked to economic development.