The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report said that without doubt, obesity is a significant problem that a number of nations across the world have been facing. Main problem behind it is said to be economic slowdown.

The 2008 recession forced many nations being hit harder to cut back their spending on food items like fruits and vegetables. In fact, certain sections of the population like women and children in those nations that were doing better in recession were also affected by obesity.

OECD researchers said the economic crisis added to the already growing obesity rate. Australia, France, Mexico and Switzerland witnessed a rise in obesity rates. On the other hand, the US, Canada, Italy and Korea saw obesity rates to be stable.

The report is based on a review of 10 OECD countries and will be presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Bulgaria on Wednesday. The 34 OECD members are wealthy countries and the group does not include nations like China and India.

Increasing obesity rates can make it difficult for governments to meet the costs of conditions associated with obesity like diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. The OECD said current efforts to prevent weight gain include financial incentives to increase wellness and increasing basic health exams. The efforts are going on, but much more needs to be done.

"The evidence of a possible impact of the economic crisis on obesity points rather consistently to a likely increase in body weight and obesity", reads the report.