The results, published in the journal PNAS, show that people in wealthy countries still consume energy every day at the same level - or even higher - than populations living on traditional hunting, herding or farming .
Researchers from the Pontzer Laboratory at Duke University analyzed data from more than 4,200 adults aged 18 to 60 from 34 populations spanning six continents, from hunter-gatherers to modern industrial urban dwellers. They measured each person’s energy expenditure, body fat percentage, and BMI, and compared them to the United Nations’ Human Development Index (HDI) to assess the level of industrialization.
The results showed that daily energy expenditure did not decrease significantly with the level of economic development. Instead, the increase in body fat percentage and obesity was accompanied by a marked change in diet, especially calorie intake.
“Although there was a small decrease in total energy expenditure after adjusting for body size, this only explained a very small portion of the increase in body fat, suggesting that dietary changes were the main cause,” said lead author Dr Amanda McGrosky.
“For decades, we have been arguing between whether to blame a sedentary lifestyle or diet,” said study leader Professor Herman Pontzer. “This study makes it clear that eating more, not being lazy, is the main cause of obesity in the United States and other developed countries.”
However, the research team also affirmed that the role of physical activity should not be underestimated. Instead, it is necessary to see diet and physical activity as two complementary factors, not as substitutes for each other.
In the next phase, the team will continue to identify specifically which factors in the industrial diet – such as ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks or excessively large portions – play a major role in the current obesity crisis.
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