13 Striking Photos Of How Animals Would Look If They Were As Obese As Humans

The obesity epidemic in North America and other countries around the world is a serious problem that continues to get worse. In the United States, about one-third of American adults are considered obese and approximately $147 billion are spent on added medical expenses for these individuals each year. Although this is already a staggering number, experts expect it to rise by at least $1 billion each year. Here are thirteen striking photos that illustrate the severity of the obesity epidemic by showing what animals would look like if they carried the same excess weight as humans.

Squirrel

The squirrel pictured here would have a tough time being as agile and efficient as its thinner peers. The extra weight would make it difficult to climb obstacles, gather food, and evade predators.

Giraffe

Giraffes eat greenery, flowers, and fruit, which is why they are never obese. This giraffe looks as if it has been on a diet of beer, burgers, and pizza for an extended period of time. It would have absolutely no chance of surviving in the wild.

Elephant

Elephants may appear overweight when they are in prime condition, but this obese one looks downright ridiculous. The amount of stress this extra weight would place on its joints, and the greater risk of developing heart and breathing problems would shorten this animal's life significantly.

Otter

This image shows an obese otter eating the same unhealthy food that contributes to obesity in humans. Like their human counterparts, the otters pictured here look satisfied with their burgers and fries.

Zebra

This picture proves that stripes are not always flattering. The overweight zebra would become easy fodder for predators, such as tigers and lions because it would not have the same evasive skills as its normal-sized equivalents would.

White Tiger

Tigers sleep for eighteen to twenty hours each day. Although this may seem excessive, tigers need to conserve energy for their fast-paced hunt for food. This obese white tiger would suffer immensely because it would not have the strength to hunt at high speeds. It belongs more on a couch than it does on the African plains.

Parrots

These parrots are so overweight that their cage can barely contain them. The added weight would cause significant problems during flying and place more stress on their legs. If their food was not served to them, they would probably have a hard time finding it on their own because of low energy and balance difficulties caused by excess weight.

Dog

Obesity usually occurs in middle-aged dogs that eat too much or consume a diet that is not appropriate for them. The risk is higher in neutered and indoor dogs. This dog looks like he has not exercised in a long time.

Gorilla

One of the key predators of the jungle, gorillas are powerful and fierce animals. However, many gorillas in captivity became overweight because of the abundance of food available in a zoo. This can be addressed by placing zoo gorillas on a salad-heavy diet.

Rabbit

The excess weight carried by this rabbit may provide extra warmth during winter months, but it would also cause enormous problems for the small animal. Rabbits can become obese quickly if they are fed a poor diet and do not get enough exercise.

Penguin

Although even regular penguins look funny because of the proportions of their bodies, an obese one looks hilarious. This penguin would have to consume so much fish on a daily basis that other penguins would have to fetch it for him.

Horse

Horses are one of the most graceful animals on Earth; they inspire artists, poets, and musicians with their beauty and elegance. However, this obese horse would have trouble walking long distances and jumping over anything.

Baby Duck

Although the extra weight makes this duckling look even more like a cute plush toy, it would also cause a lot of problems for the animal. Everyday behaviors that are effortless for most ducks, such as swimming and finding food, would become challenging.