Merrill Lynch is bullish on obesity. A recent report from the investment firm identified obesity as a five to ten year investment opportunity. That's thanks to an emerging epidemic in obesity as the population in the developed world gets older and fatter and people in the developing world enjoy rising incomes that are helping fuel diets with fattier foods. Investment strategist at Merrill Lynch highlight companies in diet and exercise, healthier eating, pharmaceutical and supplement and surgical procedures who stand to profit from the trend, although the authors make no specific recommendations in the report. The chart below shows the trend and its economic consequences.