New study links obesity to diet, not lack of exercise

We've heard it for years, just move your body more

But a new study says the real culprit behind the global obesity crisis isn't the step count, it's what comes on your plate

Out of every five adults in the U.S., two of those people are obese

Obesity is a serious but common disease, impacting communities unevenly. Hispanic and Black Americans are among those hit the hardest

For years, articles and studies suggest that inactivity is linked to obesity, which is defined as a disease involving having too much body fat

The World Health Organization says a body mass index over 30 is considered obese

But a new study of over 4,000 people across 34 communities found that even those in active tribes who walk miles a day burn about the same number of calories as sedentary people in industrialized societies

The study's senior author told the Washington Post the real issue is that people are eating too much or eating the wrong kinds of foods

Ultra processed foods, things loaded with additives, sugars and fats are a big part of the problem

These foods are heavily altered from their original state and often packed with empty calories

Not only are these foods bad for people with higher body fat, but everyone

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy has repeatedly called them out under his Make America Healthy Again initiative

We are poisoning ourselves and it's coming from principally these ultra-processed foods

So what can you do? Well, this study suggests small diet changes may go further than adding more workouts

Now, exercise still matters, but if you're looking for a starting point, take a second look at what's in your grocery cart

With Stray Arrow News, I'm Kennedy Felton. Download our app or visit san.com for more