KINGSTON, Jamaica — From poor exercise habits to stress to personal comfort, Jamaicans have offered varying opinions on why obesity affects local women at significantly higher rates than men.

According to the World Obesity Federation, Jamaica has one of the widest gender gaps in obesity prevalence. The federation’s latest country data indicate that more than 41 per cent of Jamaican women are classified as obese, compared with just under 15 per cent of men based on the most recent national survey.

While some Jamaicans on social media, in response to the alarming gender gap, suggested preference of local men for curvier women greatly contribute to obesity among females, respondents to an Observer Online vox pop argued that the issue is far more complex.