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As obesity becomes a global concern, many countries are beginning to fight the battle of the bulge in fascinating ways. As of 2013, 2.1 billion people, 30 percent of the world’s total population, were considered overweight. In the past 30 years alone, the amount of overweight adults has increased by 30 percent, while the amount of overweight children went up even higher at 47 percent, Medical Daily reports.

In a recent study conducted by the Nielson Global Health and Wellness Survey, 30,000 people across 60 different countries who considered themselves overweight or trying to lose weight were asked about their dieting habits.

Results varied based on different regions of the world. For 60 percent of North American respondents, the most popular weight loss method was to select more natural, fresh foods. Cutting back on sugary and fatty foods was also popular among this group, at 59 percent, followed by eating smaller portions (49 percent) and refraining from processed foods (46 percent).

In Latin America, 68 percent of respondents also reported opting for fresher foods, while 68 percent also tried to cut back fats. Reducing fats also proved a popular method in the Middle East (65 percent), while Europeans preferred to cut back on sweets (66 percent).

Out of every region surveyed, Asia most favored low-carb, high-fat diets at 34 percent, while only 23 percent of Americans admitted to this method. North Americans also proved to have the lowest percentage of respondents trying Weight Watchers (nine percent), while Asia, the Middle East, and Africa claim that 17 percent of their participants have tried the program.

Most interestingly, Nielson’s study found that out of the developing areas of the world — the Middle East/Africa, Asia, and Latin America — 9 out of 10 respondents said they would pay more for foods with health benefits, while only eight out of 10 Americans and Europeans responded in kind.

Overall, prospects for combating obesity seem hopeful, especially in developing regions. As developing markets represent 62 percent of the world’s obese individuals, they also represent the highest increase in sales of healthy foods.

Even though methods vary among regions, the latest diet trend seems to be maintaining a healthy and happy weight, and it’s taking the world by storm.