Global issues
Today, obesity is epidemic around the globe and chronic rather than infectious diseases are now the leading causes of death worldwide. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes lead the way and share a set of risk factors: poor diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol intake. Increased exposure to these risk factors predicts high disease rates in the future.
The world’s food environment is changing rapidly as processed foods high in fat, sugar, sodium, and calories are easy to buy, even in remote areas of the world. “Coca-Cola” is the second most recognized word in the world, next to “OK.” Ronald McDonald is second only to Santa Claus as the world’s most recognized icon. With the exception of some Chinese companies, the most recognized corporate logo in China is KFC.
In addition, physical activity levels are declining, as countries once known for reliance on bicycles or scooters now have streets congested with autos. Worldwide obesity prevention will require policy change not only by individual countries, but with a concerted effort on the part of global coalitions. The Rudd Center has a commitment to a global understanding of food policy and obesity through science on global practices and policies and through analysis of how global factors affect diets in the U.S. and other countries.