Top 10 Most Obese Countries in the World [PHOTOS]

Obesity became a global concern as it took the shape of an epidemic in most developed countries. According to the latest OECD report, the obesity epidemic has slowed down in several countries since 2009. However, in the top five countries mentioned here, the disease continues to grow.

The survey projects that women in these countries are more often obese than men, but male obesity rates have surged higher than female rates in most of these countries.

Interestingly, obesity in countries such as Korea (where obesity rates have stabilised at 3-4 percent), Switzerland (7-8 percent), Italy (8-9%), has successfully come to a halt for the past ten years.

1: The United States

Overeating, lack of health insurance access and comparatively high poverty are among the many reasons why the US has the highest obesity rate with 34 percent of the adult population classified as obese.

2: Mexico

The US' neighbouring country of Mexico is second with obesity affecting 30 percent of its adult population.

One of the major reasons for obesity growth in Mexico is the consumption of soft drinks. According to the World Health Organization, Mexico is largest consumer of soft drinks. An average Mexican drinks 163 liters (46 gallons) per year of soda, 40 percent more than the average American (118 liters, or 31 gallons).

3: Australia

More than 28 percent of the adult population in Australia has been affected by obesity.

Latest statistics by National Health Reporting Authority for the Council of Australian Governments show Australia has 10.8 million people classified as overweight or obese.

4: New Zealand

The south Pacific nation stands fourth in the list of obese countries with 27 percent of its adult population affected by obesity. New Zealand's Ministry of Health unveiled recently that more than one million people in the country are obese. The rate of obesity is not only growing among children but also among adults.

5: United Kingdom

According to the survey, UK is ranked fifth with obesity affecting almost 25 percent of the adult population. The Independent recently reported that by 2030 there will be 26 million obese people in the country - a rise of 73 percent.

As per the figures released by UK's National Obesity Forum in June, more than a million have a body mass index of between 40 and 50 - double of 18.5 to 24.9 BMI considered to be healthy.

6: Canada

Canada is sixth with obesity affecting 24 percent of the adult population, which is more than eight million. Obesity rates are climbing in the country, especially in the Maritimes and territories, according to a new study by University of British Columbia.

7: Ireland

Ireland is seventh in the list of most obese countries with 23 percent of the adult population affected.

8: Chile

The South American country of Chile has 22 percent of the adult population affected with obesity.

9: Iceland

This Scandinavian country stands ninth in the list with obesity epidemic affecting 20 percent of the adult population.

10 Hungary

Hungary is tenth with obesity affecting 19.5 percent of the adult population