Final answer:
The modern obesity epidemic began to escalate in the 1980s, with a dramatic increase becoming evident by the 1990s, and obesity rates nearly tripling since the 1970s. Unhealthy food consumption and a sedentary lifestyle are major contributors, although evidence-based, holistic approaches to weight loss are emerging.
Step-by-step explanation:
Beginnings of the Modern Obesity Epidemic
The obesity epidemic we witness today in the developed world began to notably increase in the 1980s. By the 1990s, reports indicated that less than 10 percent of state populations in the United States were obese—a stark contrast to the only 15 percent reported by the heaviest state. This trend took a sharp upward turn, and by 2010, data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that nearly 36 percent of adults were obese, with an additional 33 percent being overweight.
Aside from lifestyle and dietary changes, the food consumed plays a significant role in the rise of obesity rates. Modern diets often deviate from natural dietary patterns and overeating has become a widespread issue, with excessive calorie intake contributing to various health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers.
However, in recent years, more evidence-based and holistic approaches to weight loss are gaining traction, focusing on the consumption of whole foods and increased physical activity as part of a healthier and balanced lifestyle.