The Worlds Expanding Waistline Ielts Reading Answers <ULTIMATE>

Passage Overview

The text generally discusses the global obesity epidemic, moving away from the misconception that it is a problem solely for wealthy nations. It discusses the "nutrition transition"—the shift from traditional diets to Westernized, high-sugar, high-fat diets—and the impact of urbanization and multinational food companies on developing countries. It often contrasts the speed of the obesity rise in developing nations compared to the historical slow rise in the West.

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Question Set 4: Multiple Choice

According to the passage, why is obesity increasing faster in developing countries than developed ones?

• A) They have better healthcare systems.
• B) They are experiencing rapid urbanization and income growth.
• C) Their populations are genetically predisposed to weight gain.
• D) They have banned all forms of advertising.

Answer: B (The passage explains that as incomes rise in developing nations, people adopt Western diets and sedentary jobs.)

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Section 1: Summary Completion (or Sentence Completion)

These questions usually ask you to complete a summary of the text using words from a box or the text. the worlds expanding waistline ielts reading answers

1. The main change in developing nations is referred to as the __________.

• Answer: (the) nutrition transition
• Location in Text: Usually in the first or second paragraph where the shift in diet is introduced.
• Explanation: The text defines this term as the shift from traditional, high-fiber diets to Western diets high in fat and sugar.

2. Unlike in the past, obesity is now a problem that affects both __________.

• Answer: rich and poor countries (or developed and developing nations)
• Location in Text: Early paragraphs.
• Explanation: The text highlights that obesity used to be a disease of the rich (Western nations) but is now prevalent in low and middle-income countries.

3. One major consequence of urbanization is that people have less time to __________. Passage Overview The text generally discusses the global

• Answer: cook (or prepare meals / prepare food)
• Location in Text: The section discussing lifestyle changes.
• Explanation: The text explains that city life forces people to work longer hours or commute, leading to a reliance on processed or fast food because they lack the time to cook traditional meals.

4. Multinational food companies have made processed food __________ in developing countries.

• Answer: cheaper (or more affordable / widely available)
• Location in Text: The section discussing the role of food corporations.
• Explanation: The text notes that companies have created cheaper versions of their products or established supply chains that make junk food cheaper than healthy alternatives in some regions.

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Questions 6-10: Matching Information to Paragraphs

6. E

   • Explanation: Paragraph E discusses human evolution (evolved to defend against starvation) and the biological response to weight loss (ghrelin, leptin).

7. A

   • Explanation: Paragraph A ends with the projection: "by 2030, approximately 57% of the world’s adult population will be overweight or obese."

8. F

   • Explanation: Paragraph F lists "taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages (as seen in Mexico and the UK)."

9. C

   • Explanation: Paragraph C begins with the definition: "the ‘double burden’ of malnutrition. This refers to the coexistence of undernutrition... alongside overweight and obesity."

10. D

    • Explanation: Paragraph D states: "obesity-related diseases consume between 4% and 8% of total national health budgets" in countries like the UK and Canada.

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