Since the 1980s, how has the percentage of obese individuals changed?

The percentage of obese individuals has indeed increased since the 1980s. This trend is supported by extensive research and public health data that show a consistent rise in obesity rates over the decades. Factors contributing to this increase include changes in dietary patterns, lifestyle choices, economic factors, and greater availability of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, along with decreased physical activity levels among the population.

Public health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have documented these changes, revealing that obesity rates have more than doubled since the early 1980s. This upward trend raises concern for various health issues related to obesity, including diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. This increase highlights the importance of ongoing public health efforts to address obesity through education, access to healthy foods, and promotion of physical activity.