The task force believes a third of all deaths around the world spring from ailments related to weight, lack of exercise and smoking; however, the “most worrisome trend” is the spread of obesity beyond wealthy Western countries. In response, the World Health Organization (Geneva) is expected to propose the first global strategy on diet, physical activity and health.
A study by the NPD Group (Port Washington, N.Y.) finds a number of Americans already attempting to fight the obesity battle. The group's Dieting Monitor, however, reveals that these efforts are not cookie-cutter examples; rather, the most popular diet plan is described as “My Own Diet,” an adjusted version of a number of diets that fits their lifestyles. Some 25% have formulated their own diet, and nearly 7% are currently following it.