The United States is clearly the fattest nation in the world. According to world obesity statistics, 30.6 percent of Americans are obese. Running a close second is Mexico, with 24.2 percent, and coming in third is the United Kingdom with an even 23 percent. These obesity statistics represent individuals of all races and gender who have a body mass index greater than 30 percent.

Obesity is far more serious than simply being a few pounds overweight. It is a condition which places severe stress on the body and can often become a main contributing factor to an individual's demise. Because there are so many people worldwide who are obese, it is important to take a look at underlying factors which may contribute to obesity around the globe.

In America, the land of excess, it's commonplace to overeat on a regular basis. However in today's shaky economy, some might expect obesity levels to decline due to families having less money to spend. The fact is obesity levels in America are on the rise. How could this be? Why are countries that are not as prosperous as the United States also showing high obesity statistics?

In order to answer this question, perhaps it would be wise to take a look at some underlying issues which often cause people to overeat in the first place.

Very few people in this world have everything that they want. In fact, most don't even have everything they need. Many people live their lives from day to day feeling like they're missing something. For one reason or another, we all feel an emptiness that we are longing to fill. Some people pick up the bottle, some pick up drugs, and many people use food to feel that empty feeling inside.