Many people live in nations where the majority of people are overweight or obese. In the US, for example, only one-quarter of the adult population has an ideal weight.
In those ages 17 and under, 50% are at a normal weight. Less than 20% of those who lose weight keep that weight off, while the rest follow a circular pattern of weight loss, maintenance, followed by weight gain.
Carrying excess weight can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
