The global nature of the obesity epidemic was officially recognized by the WHO in the late 1990s. The global obesity pandemic is increasing at an alarming rate in both developed and developing countries and is considered one of the most important public health challenges of the twenty-first century. In most developing countries, the prevalence of obesity is lower in rural compared to urban areas. The problem of obesity in developing nations is dramatic not only due to population size, but also to the proportionally smaller investments in public health programs in many of these countries. Although the increasing prevalence of obesity among women of childbearing age is part of the larger worldwide epidemic, its consequences can be particularly devastating. In contrast to malnutrition and infectious diseases, which have always dominated the attention of public health specialists and organizations, the causes and consequences of obesity have only recently achieved global recognition.