A new study of 112 million adults around the world found that rural lifestyles can be a major cause of the global obesity epidemic, according to The Telegraph.

Since 1975, rates of obesity have nearly tripled and it was long thought that this was linked to growing urbanisation.

The study found that among both men and women living in the countryside, average BMI rose by 2.1 between 1985 and 2017 - but in cities, this rise was 1.3 in women and 1.6 among men. 

The report said that the increased use of cars in rural areas and the mechanisation of agriculture means rural residents use less energy than they once did.

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→ The Telegraph - Rural lifestyles drive the global obesity epidemic, report warns