Find Out What Country Has The Highest Obesity Rate. Hint: Would Make Richard Simmons Cry (OK, That Doesn't Really Say Much...)

Obesity is a big problem, and the numbers continue to rise. If nothing is done about it, some claim that by 2030 half of the U.S. population will be obese. While this is only a projection, and just as likely that if there is a global collapse then people will actually be getting thinner from lack of food, it is telling of a problem. Globally, the number of obese people is topping 2.1 Billion, according to the BBC. 

There are so many different factors involved in this complex issue, one of which is socio-economic: those of lower socio-economic class, with only high-school education and earning $15,000 and less per year, have a greater chance of obesity. One explanation is that people who are lower wage earners, if earning wages at all, are not able to afford good quality food, and thus settle for cheap, high calorie food. There's not much surprise there; all it takes is a walk through your local Whole Foods or Planet Organic to see how expensive living healthy really has become. Socio-economics can also lead to higher levels of depression that people often sooth by opening up the fridge. Here's a report from Reuters:

"Obesity has long been associated with education and income. The report found that about one-third of adults without a high school diploma were obese, compared with about one-fifth of those who graduated from college or technical college.
          And one-third of adults who earn less than $15,000 per year are obese, compared to one-quarter of those who earned $50,000 or more per year. The obesity-poverty connection reflects such facts that calorie-dense foods are cheap and that poor neighborhoods have fewer playgrounds, sidewalks and other amenities that encourage exercise."

Here are 10 countries with the highest obesity rates (for population age 15 years old and over), as of June 2014, according to the OECD:

1. United States: 35.3% 
2. Mexico: 32.4%
3. New Zealand: 31.3%
4. Hungary: 28.5%
5. Australia: 28.3%
6. Canada: 25.4%
7. Chile: 25.1%
8. United Kingdom: 24.7%
9. Ireland: 23%
10. Luxembourg: 22.7%

In another study, reported by both the BBC and US News, it's the U.S. leading the pack with China in 2nd position:

1. United States 
2. China
3. India
4. Russia
5. Brazil
6. Mexico
7. Egypt
8. Germany
9. Pakistan
10. Indonesia

Let's shift from the collective to the individual, and outline ways in which you can change your life if you have a problem with obesity or controlling your weight. There are very simple ways you can do it--3 in fact:

1. Limit your intake of sugars and fats: Easier said than done, I know. If you've been brought up by parents who ate a lot of sugar and fatty foods, it's become something habitual; but you can break the spell by simply choosing not to, knowing that your health and life is at risk if you continue. 

2. Increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, rice, legumes: They are not very expensive, and easy to cook. There are countless vegetarian recipes on the internet that you can simply print out and cook up. 

3. Begin exercising once per day: This is a simple solution too; for you don't have to go out and buy an expensive membership at the local YMCA--you simply get out for a walk, which is one of the best forms of exercise: it strengthens your heart, lowers risk of diseases, easy on your joints, reduces osteoporosis, it tones your legs and stomach and arms, it gives you energy.

We don't have to be at a 50% global obesity rate by 2030. The solutions are very easy. If you feel you have a problem, begin these three easy steps today.