Obesity has become a global health crisis today, and many studies are being done to understand its reasons. Now a new study has challenged the general perception that lack of physical activity is the main reason for obesity. This research conducted by scientists at the Duke University of America concludes that consumption of more calories is becoming a major cause of obesity than exercise.

According to Duke University Professor Harman Pontjar, “The biggest reason for increasing obesity is the change in our food pattern, not just the lack of physical activities.” This research is contrary to the idea that the sluggishness in industrialization and lifestyle is the main factor of obesity. Instead, it has come to light that people living in rich countries are still spending equal or more energy than before.

For research, data of more than 4,200 persons was collected from 34 different places around the world, whose age was between 18 and 60 years. These participants were analyzed by the daily energy spent, the amount of fat present in the body and the body mass index (BMI). It was clear from the results that even though the total energy expenditure in rich countries has decreased slightly, the contribution of this deficiency in obesity is very minor.

Researcher Amanda McGruski says that as countries are rich, there is a big change in people’s food habits. People bend towards more processed, high-calorie and fat, which increases fat in the body and increases obesity problem.

However, this study also makes it clear that this does not mean that the role of exercise is denied. Exercise not only helps in weight control, but it is also necessary for aspects such as heart health, mental state and physical stamina.

Researchers believe that it is necessary to adopt both diet and exercise together to deal with obesity. Body weight can not be reduced only by going to the gym or by running, but what is kept in the plate – it matters equally.

To reduce obesity, it is not enough to run or workout only. Till we do not control our food habits, the battle with obesity will remain incomplete. Therefore, both balanced diet and regular exercise for a healthy life will have to be taken along.