Obesity is caused more by diet than lack of exercise, new research shows | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIsabel KeaneWednesday 16 July 2025 02:06 BSTCommon healthy eating mistakesA new study challenges the common belief that reduced physical activity is the primary cause of obesity.The research found that people in developed nations, despite being more sedentary, burn similar amounts of calories to those in less-developed nations with active lifestyles.The study, involving over 4,000 individuals from 34 countries, suggests that diet, particularly increased energy intake, is a far more significant factor in the global obesity crisis than inactivity.Experts concur that changes in food consumption, rather than activity levels, are the dominant drivers of obesity.While exercise remains crucial for overall health, the findings indicate that public health efforts to combat obesity should primarily focus on dietary improvements, especially regarding ultra-processed foods.In fullBeing a couch potato has long been blamed for obesity - a new study has found the real causeThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in