"It is crucial that we apply lessons from the failure of wealthy countries to curb obesity and not extend ineffective strategies to the developing world," the article said.
Professor Gluckman said the capacity for developing countries to deal with people who had already been diagnosed with obesity-related disorders was limited. He said more emphasis should be placed on the biological drivers of obesity.
"The more and more we look, the more we realise that there are fundamental differences in biology which determine whether you are going to get diabetes or not, which are set up in early life."
The paper said there was evidence that during development, an embryo, fetus or infant took cues from its environment to set patterns of metabolism or energy use in later life, and that these contributed to its body-type.
In April, the Liggins Institute contributed to breakthrough research which showed a pregnant mother's diet could alter her future child's DNA, potentially determining whether they will grow up to be obese.
Professor Gluckman said these biological factors needed to be viewed alongside cultural perceptions in poorer countries.
The paper cited several complex cultural factors. Populations and individuals showed contrasting patterns of fat deposition. The ideal body shape was different depending on cultural and social influences. And symptoms of obesity were slow to develop, making it difficult for people to commit money to unseen problems.
The authors noted that economic transition towards affluence often gave poorer countries more access to junk food, which was cheaper than high-quality fresh foods.
Weighty problem
* Different societies have widely varying perceptions of ideal body shape.
* Diseases associated with obesity are often slow to develop, making it difficult to commit money to treatment.
* Economic progress gives countries greater access to cheaper, refined foods which have lower nutritional value.
