Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –
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In 2022, almost one in eight people worldwide suffered from obesity, and over the past 30 years, this rate has more than doubled among adults and quadrupled among adolescents. This complex and chronic condition, caused by excess body fat, increases the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. However, despite the sharp rise in obesity in industrialized countries, the condition is rare in countries with traditional lifestyles and agricultural economies, often attributed to the more physically active lifestyles of their residents.
The main cause of obesity is a mismatch between calorie intake and energy expenditure. Public health experts often point to two factors: overeating and insufficient physical activity. However, the relative importance of each remains debated, as low activity levels do not always lead to reduced energy expenditure throughout the day.
The lack of diverse and reliable data on calorie intake, energy expenditure, and body composition further complicates such studies. Previously, researchers attempted to answer this question, but most studied populations in agricultural countries, lacked data on body fat mass, or relied on limited information obtained from country-specific data and consumption surveys.
To address this gap, 68 scientists decided to use the IAEA's Doubly Labeled Water Sample Database, which contains energy expenditure measurements taken worldwide using the stable isotope doubly labeled water sample method. This IAEA database, whose data points are distributed across 45 countries, has previously been used by scientists to conduct groundbreaking research on human energy metabolism, develop a predictive equation for assessing the accuracy of self-reported information, and update data on human energy requirements.
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