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General discussionWhy is we fat(101 posts) (101 posts) 
(101 posts) 
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This is my favourite topic
Posted January 18, 2015
So... in another thread, someone made a comment about Americans being fat. Which is... you know... a huge revelation -_-

But it got me wondering... what is it that's different about our diet/lifestyle that makes us heavier than people in, say, Europe. Do we really eat/act that differently than our Eastern brethren? Britain doesn't have fast food chains or pizzarias? Germans run/walk more? Or is it something else?

I suppose I could Google this, but it's more fun (read: easier) to just ask all you GOGers from across the ocean.
Posted January 18, 2015
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jefequeso: So... in another thread, someone made a comment about Americans being fat. Which is... you know... a huge revelation -_-

But it got me wondering... what is it that's different about our diet/lifestyle that makes us heavier than people in, say, Europe. Do we really eat/act that differently than our Eastern brethren? Britain doesn't have fast food chains or pizzarias? Germans run/walk more? Or is it something else?

I suppose I could Google this, but it's more fun (read: easier) to just ask all you GOGers from across the ocean.
From my understanding, its all the chemicals and additives and preservitives, etc. added to our processed food.
I'm 100% sure processed foods in usa are way worse for us, then say processed foods in any other region.

I can't speak to the side of the issue regarding exercise, but I believe to only be a very tiny part of the problem.
(as I know people that don't eexercise, but eat all the junk food they want, to still be skinny... compared to people that exercise and eat healthy whole foods still being fat. Which leads me to believe it is a chemical/additive/preservity being the sole cause of 'fat'. Aka environment vs life style.)
Posted January 18, 2015
high rated
Portions. Greasiness.
Posted January 18, 2015
Speaking from personal experience cancer does wonders for being overweight! :D

Okay seriously, I don't know personally because I was born with the metabolism of a hummingbird, but from my limited perspective it sure seems that Americans sit around a lot more. Where I live there are almost no overweight people because living this far north dictates that you have to be active ALL THE TIME, but that does tend to be the exception.

Again this is all just meandering speculation on my part so please try to refrain from beating me over the head with actual facts. :P

Cool thread BTW, I hope it stays civil.
Post edited January 18, 2015 by tinyE
Posted January 18, 2015
I think quantity sizes has something to do with it. Europeans eat garbage. Fish and chips, shepherd's pie, pastry, pasta, and lots and lots of wine and beer. But Europeans usually eat much smaller serving sizes. An American 16 ounce small drink would probably be a large in Europe. I mean, shit, look at thirstbusters we Americans get at gas stations. They're big enough to need a carry pack. It's like the kind of liquid you'd take with you for a trek across the desert.

Everything we eat and drink in America is larger and filled with much more gluten, sugar, and fats as well. Europeans eat garbage too, they just eat less of it. That and Americans sit around and watch too many reality tv show. I don't think that's too healthy... for the mind or the body.
Posted January 18, 2015
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tinyE: ... I was born with the metabolism of a hummingbird...
You live on nectar? No wonder you're so skinny ;-)
Posted January 18, 2015
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tinyE: ... I was born with the metabolism of a hummingbird...
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Wishbone: You live on nectar? No wonder you're so skinny ;-)
Well the neighbors also put feeders out for me but some of those are too damn high up!
Posted January 18, 2015
Its a myth. Everyone else is fatter.

gg no re
Posted January 18, 2015
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Emob78: I think quantity sizes has something to do with it. Europeans eat garbage. Fish and chips, shepherd's pie, pastry, pasta, and lots and lots of wine and beer. But Europeans usually eat much smaller serving sizes. An American 16 ounce small drink would probably be a large in Europe. I mean, shit, look at thirstbusters we Americans get at gas stations. They're big enough to need a carry pack. It's like the kind of liquid you'd take with you for a trek across the desert.

Everything we eat and drink in America is larger and filled with much more gluten, sugar, and fats as well. Europeans eat garbage too, they just eat less of it. That and Americans sit around and watch too many reality tv show. I don't think that's too healthy... for the mind or the body.
I think this is pretty much it.
When I went to America (which was years ago) I was amazed at the portion sizes. A drink at the cinema came in a bucket. A slice of pizza was the size of a whole pizza over here.
I'm sure the kind of food, and the additives, have something to do with it. But I think a lot is down to portions.

Edit: That's not to say no where else has problems. The UK is apparently the fattest nation in Europe and I'd believe that.
Post edited January 18, 2015 by adaliabooks
Posted January 18, 2015
I don't think the U.S. is really different, weight wise, to much of the affluent nations in the Western world. It might be a bit worst there but I don't think it's by much. I'm also too lazy to use the google machine.

I suspect the big difference between thin and fat nations is probably not the meals, but what is eaten outside of meal time.
I think another big difference is public transportation versus private cars.
Post edited January 18, 2015 by justanoldgamer
Posted January 18, 2015
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Wishbone: You live on nectar? No wonder you're so skinny ;-)
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tinyE: Well the neighbors also put feeders out for me but some of those are too damn high up!
you can not imagine the image i have in my head right now

I think it is portions and the price of convenience food vs nutritional food. Compare the price of a mcdonald's hamburger, or hell a whole value meal, compared to a salad.
Posted January 18, 2015
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tinyE: Well the neighbors also put feeders out for me but some of those are too damn high up!
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Crewdroog: you can not imagine the image i have in my head right now

I think it is portions and the price of convenience food vs nutritional food. Compare the price of a mcdonald's hamburger, or hell a whole value meal, compared to a salad.
Fast food joint salad? I've read that the vinaigrette they use make those have as much calories as the other menu options.
I have problems believing that a home made salad is not cheaper than a value meal except maybe if you buy everything "organic".
Posted January 18, 2015
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justanoldgamer: I don't think the U.S. is really different, weight wise, to much of the affluent nations in the Western world. It might be a bit worst there but I don't think it's by much. I'm also too lazy to use the google machine.
I never went on the 'newer' continent but a friend of mine visited NY for the first time recently and told me that he was a bit amazed on how more common overweight people are over there. As it was said in this thread it's probably ( but not completely) due to what you add to your food (growth hormones are not used in europe for instance AFAIK) and I don't have an explanation, because as a french, I eat my lot of cheese, wine, beer, foie gras, croissants and I am skinny "manny-style".
Post edited January 18, 2015 by Potzato
Posted January 18, 2015
- Harmful government recommendations on nutrition (the food pyramid)
- Corn subsidies
- Highly processed convenience "food"
- The popularity of unhealthy low-fat, high-sugar foods
- The existence of food deserts
- Aversion to cooking at home
- ...
Posted January 18, 2015
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Crewdroog: you can not imagine the image i have in my head right now

I think it is portions and the price of convenience food vs nutritional food. Compare the price of a mcdonald's hamburger, or hell a whole value meal, compared to a salad.
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justanoldgamer: Fast food joint salad? I've read that the vinaigrette they use make those have as much calories as the other menu options.
I have problems believing that a home made salad is not cheaper than a value meal except maybe if you buy everything "organic".
i meant as in "go to the store and make yourself a salad" not that garbage that will give you at fast food places. my fault for not clarifying.

I might be a little hyperbolic with that comparison, but healthy foods are way more expensive than crap ones. and i'm not talking organic. When I buy fresh vegetables I have minor heart attacks when I get my bill. I could live on lunch meat and white bread much easier than salads and lean meats. My blood pressure and nitrate levels however would be astronomical.
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This is my favourite topic
Community
General discussionWhy is we fat(101 posts) (101 posts) 
(101 posts)