Obesity is a world-wide problem, though it has marked prevalence in Western societies. It is also a problem that is growing in incidence and severity.

Data collected between 1976 and 1980 suggested that 34 million Americans -- 26 percent of the population -- were overweight. Of these individuals, at least three million were felt to be morbidly obese.

Over the past 10 years, the incidence of obesity has increased to epidemic proportions.

The most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicated that 55 percent of Americans are overweight, and 22 percent are obese.

As many as nine million Americans are morbidly obese.

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