from that published in the paper "The Weight of Nations" but is based on a more complete data set supplied by the report's authors, which includes many of the world's smaller countries. 19 comments on this story by oatsofwrath Not all fat people are fat because of overeating. There are a great number of factors at play. In the United States, poverty is one of the most influential factors shaping weight. It is not because of over eating - rather, many fat, poor children have been found to be malnourished - it is due to things like processed food being more affordable and accessible than fresh food. There are plenty of fat people in food deserts. Things have changed since the depression. Being fat can also be a symptom of health problems. Weight gain can be a side effect of necessary medications. It can also, ironically enough, be an outcome of dieting. It is also, undeniably, shaped by genetics. Some people who eat well and moderately and who get good amounts of exercise are fat. Some people who eat poorly and never exercise are thin. Heck, I'm thin, and my weight does not change no matter what or how much I eat or what exercise I do. I eat the same food and about as much as my partner, who is much bigger than I am. The only real difference in our eating habits is that I eat more often. Turns out weight isn't always a reliable indicator of food