Climate change is emerging to be a contributor to obesity, which is also driven by a complex mix of  genetic, behavioral, and social factors.

Rising temperatures impact behavior, leading to reduced physical activity and changes in diet, especially in developing countries.

Research studies found that a 1°C increase in temperature was linked to a 4% rise in children's BMI and a 2% increase in women's BMI. The studies showed a U-shaped relationship between temperature and BMI meaning higher rates of obesity at both high and low temperatures.

Extreme heat also has long-term consequences, causing people to stay indoors and rely on more calorie-dense, processed foods due to higher agricultural prices and lower crop yields. The nutritional content of crops are also affected as climate change causes decrease in protein levels in staples like rice and wheat.

Rising temperatures further affect obesity by decreasing energy expenditure through adaptive thermogenesis, a process that helps regulate body temperature.

To combat these effects, experts emphasize solutions like increased physical education in schools and climate-resilient agricultural practices to improve nutrition and prevent obesity.