Is it true that America has the largest amount of obese....?!


Question:

Is it true that America has the largest amount of obese....?

and over weight people in the World? Why is it that other Western country's are fast approaching?How do we overcome this epedemic of dangerous eating disorders?

Additional Details

2 weeks ago
I am not American myself, I am Australian, I am alarmed at the rate Australians are slowly making the same dangerous lifestyle choices. Personally I belive education is the key to success....


Answers:

My guess would be yes. First, when we look at our lifestyle compared to the Europeans, we are constantly pressed to "keep up with the Jones'" as the saying goes here...we work longer and longer hours and spend more and more time commuting longer and longer distances to make more money to have more "things". Meanwhile, that leaves less time for physical activity (mind you many parts of Europe still bike or walk (at least a portion) to work) while in the US, the average commute is primarily by car and taking longer and longer as urban sprawl continues. In the meantime, we find less time to eat healthy and often opt for the "fast" meal. Unfortunately, this usually involves a high fat/high sugar diet. Plus, American entertainment revolves heavily around food. We go "out" to eat on weekends, we go to movies where more food is served,....food seems to be on everyone's mind. Furthermore, the notion that big meal portions are a sign of a "good restaurant" is ingrained in our brains. Plus, we feel compelled to eat what is on our plate or else we've "wasted" our money.

As an American myself, I see how the epidemic has lead to heavier and heavier children who are less and less active. Yet, I see some good changes as well. Many school lunch programs are eliminating processed foods and getting rid of vending machines. Changing from soda to a low calorie drink can save people hundreds of calories a day. Finally, campaigns to limit junk food advetisements are trying to limit the exposure to children...taking ads out of schools, off television (although hopefully we are turning off the television). Many California style restaurants are getting the right idea...serving smaller, appropriate portions, and without processed foods.

Lifestyle, adverstising and fat/sugar itself is largely to blame. (Besides lack of will power)




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