Rising global obesity rates have become a major public-health concern. This article examines causes, consequences, and responses to the world’s expanding waistline, written in a clear, academic style suitable for IELTS Reading practice.
Implementing effective policies faces political, economic, and commercial obstacles. Food industry lobbying, concerns about consumer choice, and potential regressivity of taxes complicate policy adoption. Interventions must be culturally appropriate and equitable to avoid widening health disparities.
Choose the correct letter A, B, C, or D. the worlds expanding waistline ielts reading answers
9. Why is the obesity problem in developing countries described as a "timebomb"?
10. According to the text, what is a major factor driving the consumption of processed foods in cities? Rising global obesity rates have become a major
The IELTS Reading section frequently features passages on pressing global health issues. One of the most commonly repeated themes is "The world’s expanding waistline" — a phrase that metaphorically describes the global obesity epidemic. This article serves a dual purpose: first, to educate you on the factual content of such a passage, and second, to provide the verified answers and strategies for tackling questions based on this specific topic.
In recent IELTS examinations (Cambridge IELTS Books, particularly Cambridge 14 Test 4 Reading Passage 2, and various Academic mock tests), candidates have encountered a text detailing how rising income, urbanization, and dietary shifts have led to a surge in Body Mass Index (BMI) worldwide. The IELTS Reading section frequently features passages on
| Question | Correct Answer | Explanation (brief) | |----------|----------------|----------------------| | 1 | C | Paragraph A: “developing countries now account for a significant proportion” – this is the surprising aspect. | | 2 | C | “created an ‘obesogenic environment’” – described by energy-dense food + low activity → promotes weight gain. | | 3 | C | “leading to a 5.5% drop in purchases” – a clear, measurable reduction. | | 4 | B | Paragraph E: “their incomes rise just enough to afford processed foods but not necessarily access to gyms or healthcare.” | | 5 | C | Paragraph F: “government-led structural changes are essential.” | | 6 | FALSE | Passage says obesity tripled globally since 1975, not stable. | | 7 | TRUE | “Projections suggest that by 2030, the global cost … could exceed $1.2 trillion.” | | 8 | NOT GIVEN | No mention of FAO imposing a ban. | | 9 | TRUE | “rethinking agricultural subsidies that currently favour corn and soy … over fruits and vegetables.” | | 10 | cancers | Paragraph C: “including type 2 diabetes … and certain cancers.” | | 11 | 5.5% | Paragraph D: “leading to a 5.5% drop” | | 12 | convenience | Paragraph E: “rely on convenience foods” | | 13 | individual responsibility | Paragraph F: “Public health experts argue that individual responsibility is insufficient” |
Excess body weight increases risks for non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders. The rising prevalence of obesity thus threatens to reverse public-health gains and increases healthcare costs and lost productivity.
Which paragraph (A-G) contains the following information?