In Western countries, when it comes to the nation with the highest obesity rate, data shows that Turkey tops the list.
According to the 2022 European Obesity Report, approximately 59% of Turkey's adult population suffers from overweight and obesity issues.
This figure is quite astonishing and even somewhat hard to believe.
The severe obesity problem in Turkey is closely related to its dietary culture.
Traditional Turkish cuisine is very rich, and with the rapid development of the internet today, more and more young people are engrossed in entertainment provided by electronic devices, gradually neglecting the importance of physical exercise.
So, what is the obesity rate in the United States?
The answer is about 40%. As one of the leading capitalist countries in the world, the living standards of American citizens are relatively high.
A sound social welfare system ensures that Americans rarely have to worry about basic needs.
At the same time, the U.S. is also a country full of delicious food, especially New Orleans, which is known as the food capital of the U.S.
Although the number of homeless people on the streets has decreased, they still exist.
However, as long as one is a legal U.S. citizen, even in difficult times, they can receive government assistance.
Because of this, most Americans do not need to worry about going hungry.
And although security is poor in some parts of the U.S., most areas are relatively safe during the day.
The income of the American middle class is also quite considerable, further fueling their indulgence in food.
Although the obesity rate in the U.S. is lower than in Turkey, the 40% figure is still quite high.
The spread of obesity in the U.S. is mainly due to favorable economic conditions on one hand, and an overly abundant food culture on the other.
Brands like McDonald's, KFC, and Burger King, which offer high-calorie, greasy food, are household names.
In addition, American barbecue, though a good source of protein, becomes a burden on the body if the calories are not burned off through proper exercise.
On American streets, you can see people with extreme body differences.
This phenomenon exists in some European countries as well, but it is particularly noticeable in the U.S., which is closely tied to the country's culture and lifestyle.
Obese Americans tend to have much larger physiques, far exceeding those commonly seen on Chinese streets.
The high obesity rate in the U.S. is also related to its agricultural production model.
The U.S. engages in large-scale cultivation of high-yield crops like potatoes and corn to meet both the dietary needs of its citizens and the demands of the livestock industry.
Due to the high degree of mechanization, labor costs are low, whereas more labor-intensive vegetable farming tends to be more expensive.
This leads to higher vegetable prices in the U.S., sometimes even higher than the price of steak in China.
As a result, Americans are more inclined to consume meat.
By consuming a large amount of meat, eggs, and dairy for breakfast, they get the energy needed for the day, but if that energy is not fully used, the rich lunches and dinners will add to fat accumulation, ultimately leading to obesity.
On the other hand, India's obesity rate is also a problem worth noting.
Although Indian dietary culture is vastly different from that of the West, the country's obesity rate has already reached 23%.
In many parts of India, due to religious beliefs and economic conditions, residents prefer vegetarian diets.
Theoretically, vegetarianism should help control weight, but India's situation is quite the opposite.
The street snacks in India are heavily flavored, and it’s particularly hard to imagine how locals accept the extremely sugary snacks.
The reason Indians prefer high-sugar foods is that these calorie-dense foods provide a strong sense of satiety at a low cost.
In addition, India's caste system means that the wealthy people of higher castes, living in comfort and lacking the habit of exercise, are facing growing weight issues.
Finally, let's look at China’s situation.
According to relevant data from 2023, China’s obesity rate has reached 12%.
Although this figure is lower than Turkey’s and the U.S.’s, it is still concerning, especially as the rate continues to rise.
One reason why Chinese people are getting fatter is that Chinese food is simply too delicious.
Whether it’s regional cuisines or authentic Chinese dishes, they all have strong appeal.
Secondly, the fast-paced work environment in modern society leaves many young people with no time for exercise.
Thirdly, the rapid rise of the food delivery industry has also contributed to the problem, with many delivery meals being cooked using heavy oil, further increasing calorie intake.
While China’s obesity rate is not yet as high as that of the U.S. or Turkey, with the increasing prevalence of food delivery and changes in lifestyle, the obesity problem is gradually spreading to the younger population, which is cause for concern.
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