The tropics cover a large section of the world in which both developed and developing
countries are situated. Rapid socioeconomic development, modernization, urbanization,
and globalization have affected both the food market and physical activity (PA),
which in turn have propelled the obesity epidemic in the tropics. There is growing
concern that overweight and obesity are emerging as major health problems among
children and adolescents in the tropics, despite the fact that undernutrition still exists in
many of these countries. Physical inactivity, a low metabolic rate, and lack of physical
fitness (PF) have been linked to overweight and obesity. Moreover, PF in several tropical
countries is declining, and these changes may be a threat to future health, as low PA and
PF levels are important risk factors for noncommunicable chronic diseases. Previous
studies have reported that the relationships among PA, PF, overweight, and obesity
are inconsistent and inconclusive. There is no indication that variances in the energy
cost of physical activities lead to obesity. Despite a lack of definite evidence to prove
a causal relationship, there is enough certainty that physical inactivity and low fitness
levels are linked to overweight and obesity. Hence, people living in tropical countries
need to be encouraged to lead a healthier lifestyle by increasing their PA levels and
reducing sedentary behaviors to prevent overweight or obesity.