Do you want to know how heavy the world is? Apparently researchers have determined that if every person on earth were to stand on a scale, it would show a reading of 632 billion pounds (316 million tons).
Those considered overweight, carry 16 million tons of extra weight and those who are obese, carry 3.8 million tons. To put this in perspective, that extra weight equals the normal weight of 56 million people.
Which continent do you think has the highest body mass index (BMI)? I’m sure this doesn’t come as any surprise…North America. Keep in mind that North America contains just six percent of the population, yet is responsible for 34% of the extra weight.
Compare that to Asia which makes up for 61% of the population but when it comes to the extra weight, they are responsible for just 13% of it. The researchers also concluded that if every country in the world had the same BMI as the average person in the U.S. that would equal the normal weight of an additional 473 million people.
Clearly the world is overweight.
When you think about it, this must play a part in some of the financial crises we are facing. With all of this extra weight it means health problems. And health problems can be very costly.
I don’t know about you but for me, these findings are absolutely staggering. Yet does knowledge of this sort bring about change?
We are constantly being educated on the problem of obesity. We are told what to do to lose the weight. Yet despite the knowledge, we don’t seem to be doing any better.
Part of the problem here in America is that we make it difficult to eat healthier. Foods that are better for you cost more. Living such busy lifestyles, as we take a swing through the drive thru, there aren’t many healthy choices available.
Of course, I also blame a lack of self-control. Even when some people have the means and the availability of making healthier lifestyle choices, they don’t.
What do you think is to blame for the world being overweight?
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Photo by NASA