PROCESS OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT LEADING TO AN OBESITY CRISIS: A REVIEW

Dr. Allah Baksh Meer, Dr. M. Zakirulla,*, Dr. Maaz Ahmed, Dr. Shaik Mohammed Asif, Dr. Hussain Almubarak and Dr. Sondos Badr Alghamdi

ABSTRACT

Obesity is defined as an abnormal accumulation of fat, which presents a risk to health. Individuals with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 are considered obese. Obesity is a major health risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Previous research has established that obesity is more common in developed nations. Research has also shown that people living in urban areas are more likely to become obese than those living in rural areas. The following is a discussion of various studies that evaluate the relationship between obesity and urbanization. This systematic review aimed to determine the factors that cause obesity, to establish a relationship between obesity and urbanization, and examine if a lack of physical activity leads to obesity Urbanization and obesity have a significant relationship. The results of the present study determined that > 60% of people with obesity in the United Kingdom live in urban areas. Therefore, a child or person living in an urban area is more likely to become obese compared to a person living in a rural area. Urbanization does not independently influence obesity; hence, other factors considered. The research establishes that urbanization leads to an increase in the risk of becoming obese in the United Kingdom.

Keywords: Obesity, Child, Urbanization, United Kingdom.