The global nutrition transition has led to a significant increase in obesity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This shift is driven by changes in diet, including increased consumption of processed foods, added sugars, and fats, along with reduced physical activity. These changes have contributed to a rise in obesity and related health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. While the United States was the first country to face obesity concerns in the 1980s, the problem has now spread globally, affecting both urban and rural areas in LMICs. The obesity epidemic is not only a public health issue but also has significant economic and social implications. The review highlights the complex interplay between biological factors and environmental changes, such as the developmental origins of health and disease. Maternal nutrition during pregnancy and early life can influence the risk of obesity and chronic diseases in offspring. Additionally, the shift in dietary patterns, including the increased consumption of animal-source foods, edible oils, and caloric sweeteners, has contributed to the obesity epidemic. These changes are often accompanied by a decline in the consumption of legumes, coarse grains, and other vegetables. Food system changes, including the globalized distribution of technology and the rise of supermarkets, have also played a role in shaping dietary patterns. These changes have increased access to cheaper, processed foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt, contributing to the obesity epidemic. However, these changes have also brought benefits, such as improved food safety and the availability of a wider variety of foods. The review also discusses the dual burden of undernutrition and obesity in LMICs, where both malnutrition and obesity coexist. This is particularly evident in households where food allocation is influenced by social norms and gender roles. Addressing this dual burden requires a comprehensive approach that considers both food security and the need to promote healthier dietary patterns. In response to the obesity epidemic, several countries have implemented initiatives aimed at improving dietary habits and reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods. These include school-based programs, front-of-package labeling, and regulations on the marketing of unhealthy foods. However, there is a need for more rigorous evaluation of these initiatives to ensure their effectiveness. Overall, the global nutrition transition has created a complex public health challenge that requires a multifaceted approach, including policy changes, education, and community-based interventions. The focus must be on improving the quality of diets, reducing total caloric intake, and addressing the root causes of the obesity epidemic.The global nutrition transition has led to a significant increase in obesity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This shift is driven by changes in diet, including increased consumption of processed foods, added sugars, and fats, along with reduced physical activity. These changes have contributed to a rise in obesity and related health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. While the United States was the first country to face obesity concerns in the 1980s, the problem has now spread globally, affecting both urban and rural areas in LMICs. The obesity epidemic is not only a public health issue but also has significant economic and social implications. The review highlights the complex interplay between biological factors and environmental changes, such as the developmental origins of health and disease. Maternal nutrition during pregnancy and early life can influence the risk of obesity and chronic diseases in offspring. Additionally, the shift in dietary patterns, including the increased consumption of animal-source foods, edible oils, and caloric sweeteners, has contributed to the obesity epidemic. These changes are often accompanied by a decline in the consumption of legumes, coarse grains, and other vegetables. Food system changes, including the globalized distribution of technology and the rise of supermarkets, have also played a role in shaping dietary patterns. These changes have increased access to cheaper, processed foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt, contributing to the obesity epidemic. However, these changes have also brought benefits, such as improved food safety and the availability of a wider variety of foods. The review also discusses the dual burden of undernutrition and obesity in LMICs, where both malnutrition and obesity coexist. This is particularly evident in households where food allocation is influenced by social norms and gender roles. Addressing this dual burden requires a comprehensive approach that considers both food security and the need to promote healthier dietary patterns. In response to the obesity epidemic, several countries have implemented initiatives aimed at improving dietary habits and reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods. These include school-based programs, front-of-package labeling, and regulations on the marketing of unhealthy foods. However, there is a need for more rigorous evaluation of these initiatives to ensure their effectiveness. Overall, the global nutrition transition has created a complex public health challenge that requires a multifaceted approach, including policy changes, education, and community-based interventions. The focus must be on improving the quality of diets, reducing total caloric intake, and addressing the root causes of the obesity epidemic.