Americans Aren't the Only Ones With an Obesity Problem

Obesity is not just an issue for Americans, but also is a problem in the United Kingdom and Germany according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, which tracks obesity in both European nations monthly. However, Americans are still in far worse shape than are Britons and Germans.

More than one in four Americans were obese in March through September of this year. The number is a bit better in the UK at about 2 in 10, and drops to slightly more than 1 in 10 in Germany.

With obesity carrying a hefty price tag for individuals, businesses, and societies, governments in all three nations are attempting to do something about their citizens' weight issues.

The U.S. government, with first lady Michelle Obama leading the way, has launched a campaign against obesity and has remade its nutritional icon to promote eating more fruits and vegetables and eating less in general. The UK government has implemented regulations regarding food and advertisement of it, and UK Prime Minister David Cameron recently said he would approve a "fat tax" on high fat foods. The German government has also in recent years launched efforts to curb its obesity problem.

Many businesses in the United States and abroad are also taking their workers' weight seriously, providing numerous different types of health and wellness programs to their employees. Ultimately, individuals, businesses, and governments may need to work together to tackle what has become a worldwide epidemic.