Over the last 60 years, there has been a worrisome trend in the escalating rates of obesity, mental illness, and food allergies. The prevalence of obesity alone has tripled during this time, with roughly 39% of the world's adult population being classified as overweight, and nearly 13% of them classified as obese. These numbers are alarming considering the potential consequences associated with obesity, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

There has been a significant increase in the number of individuals suffering from mental illness. In the U.S., for example, approximately one in every five adults or 51.5 million people have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Mental disorders are highly correlated with obesity since individuals in this category are more vulnerable to developing depression, anxiety, or unhealthy stress levels as a result of weight-related stigma and discrimination.