Bad eating habits and physical health of 21st century humans have become the focus of global discussions. It's much more complex than simply understanding and using available nutritional information. A mix of the individual's financial position, geographic location, and willpower is to blame, but it appears that unethical scientific studies, uninformed decisions by members of government, and the availability of false information are major factors contributing to the status quo. However, it is clear that healthy people pose less of a burden on society than those who overeat and do not exercise regularly. Obesity is an epidemic defined as the abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat affecting millions of individuals around the world. A. The disease is preventable, but more than 65% of the world's population lives in areas where overweight and obesity kill more than underweight, 10% of the world's adult population is clinically obese, and 40 million children under 5 are classified as overweight. The statistics are terrifying, but the effects are especially evident in the United States of America, where its effects are found in every state. Obesity statistics in South Africa are no better. Currently 29% of men and 56% of women are classified as overweight or obese and of these 71% have never tried to lose weight and 78% think they are perfectly healthy. Westernization and urbanization seem to be to blame, as well as the fact that we are among the largest consumers of alcohol in the world. Obesity has doubled since 1980 and is currently the fifth leading cause of death. The solution is almost impossible, especially with the current cavalier attitude... middle of paper... only and is expected to increase to $344 billion by 2018. This means that obesity-related treatments make up 10 % of annual medical expenditure. On average, obese people spend 42% more on healthcare costs than people of normal weight, and obesity-related work absenteeism costs $4.3 billion per year. nutritional information as the issue is much more complex. Individuals are bombarded with information (correct or not) and are much more concerned about price and taste than their own well-being. Simply put, the more educated we are about nutritional information, the better informed we can be as individuals to take responsibility for our health. However, it is clear that healthy people represent less of a burden on society.