Study Finds Diet Drives Obesity Across 34 Countries, Not Exercise

Recent research challenges the common belief that declining physical activity is the primary cause of rising obesity rates worldwide, showing instead that diet plays the dominant role. A major study led by Duke University analyzed data from over 4,200 adults across 34 populations and found that total daily calorie expenditure remains similar regardless of activity levels or lifestyle differences, suggesting that increased caloric intake drives obesity more than reduced exercise. Experts emphasize that diet and physical activity should be viewed as complementary factors for managing obesity rather than interchangeable solutions. Additionally, metabolic factors and hormonal imbalances, such as disruptions in insulin, leptin, and cortisol, contribute to the difficulty of losing fat and maintaining weight loss over time. Intense exercise without proper fueling can exacerbate hunger hormones, leading to overeating and counteracting workout efforts. Overall, sustainable weight management requires addressing both dietary habits and metabolic health alongside physical activity.