Since 1980 obesity has doubled worldwide, with about 13% of the global population now registering as obese, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is estimated that being overweight or obese is responsible for 5% of global mortality, and physical inactivity is rising. In addition, being overweight is a contributing factor in non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, and these have all risen exponentially over the last 20-30 years.