The prevalence of obesity and noncommunicable diseases (NCD) has been rising fast in the developing world (Popkin; Haddad; World Health Organization, 2002). Concerned by the unprecedented level of the problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) (2004) issued a Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity, and Health. The report calls for in-depth research on the root causes of obesity, especially in developing countries where 80% of the global cardiovascular diseases mortality occurs (WHO). However, little empirical work has been done on the factors that affect the prevalence and incidence of obesity in developing countries.
展开▼
