Obesity rates in some countries levelling off or potentially falling, study finds

In most high-income countries, a rapid rise in the prevalence of obesity has been replaced by a slower increase, a plateau, or a potential decline. Photograph: dmphoto/Getty Images

A continuing rise in obesity around the world is not inevitable, research suggests, with rates in some countries levelling off or potentially in decline.

Researchers say focusing on what has been described as a global epidemic of obesity hides large variations in trends across different countries, sexes and age groups.