The World Health Organization (WHO) in 1997 declared obesity as a major public health problem and a global epidemic. In general, a body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or greater is considered overweight and 30 kg/m2 or greater is considered obese. According to the estimates by WHO, more than 1.9 billion adults aged 18 years and older are overweight, and of those, over 650 million adults are obese.

Worldwide, the prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically during the last four decades, and if this trend continues, a majority of the world’s adult population will be either overweight or obese by 2030. Interaction of many factors including genetic, metabolic, behavioral, and environmental influences has resulted in this situation. The problem of obesity is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic disease and disability, with serious social and psychological implications that affect virtually all ages and …