Obesity has become a major public health concern constraining 13% of the total global population, including over 340 million children and adolescents. This chapter reviews multiple determinants of obesity, such as dietary transitions, urbanization, and economic development. Such determinants are being complicated by their regional variations determined by culture and socioeconomic factors. The geographical distribution of obesity internationally manifests the inequities between high-income versus middle-income and low-income countries and stages of globalization and built environments shaping obesogenic behaviors for lowering costs. Urgent policy interventions in food systems, physical activity, and socioeconomic inequalities are required with the estimated economic burden of obesity at a whopping $2 trillion annually. Inevitably, raising obesity prevalence assumes a dire situation, especially in low- and middle-income countries; thus, this serious epidemic needs culturally sensitive, evidence-based strategies and international cooperation. By appreciating economic, environmental, and cultural systems, this chapter provides the arena for combating obesity and its health and societal impacts.