5 Countries With Highest Rates of Obesity

2. Cook Islands

Obese People Per 100,000: 55,900

Like other Pacific nations, the Cook Islands also suffers from obesity. The prevalence of obesity is thought to be due to inhabitants consuming high amounts of imported Western food and having access to limited healthcare systems. Cook Islands has a relatively high GDP per capita of roughly $22,000, and high obesity levels have also contributed to related diseases such as heart problems and diabetes. Obesity in the region is also thought to be genetics, as inhabitants that moved to countries such Cook Islands required bigger builds and high fat storage capabilities to endure long and arduous sea journeys.