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[vatstep]

I live in Massachusetts, which according to the list I just checked from earlier this year, is 48th on the list of most-obese states — so, it's pretty damn low. And yet every day, I can't help but notice how fat so many people are. :|

It's been a while since I've been to some of the regions where it's more severe, but yeah, it gets pretty extreme.

 

[RM8]

Yes. Due to our food. Just step into one of our groceries and you'll understand why. 90% is food engineered to drive up hunger.

Not sure. For example, I saw a ton of very calorie-dense staple food items in Japan (starting with rice, lol), but no one really... "indulges" like people here in Mexico from what I noticed. I think portion sizes and activity are the biggest factors.

 

[buhdeh]

Yes. Due to our food. Just step into one of our groceries and you'll understand why. 90% is food engineered to drive up hunger.

At some point, the population needs to exert some self-control. They sell 90% of the same stuff in Canadian supermarkets as they do in the USA and people here are nowhere near as fat.

 

[akira28]

I'm confused, should they walk around naked?

sackcloth and constant public humiliation, like the old times, with the lepers.

 

[teh_pwn]

Not sure. For example, I saw a ton of very calorie-dense staple food items in Japan (starting with rice, lol), but no one really... "indulges" like people here in Mexico from what I noticed. I think portion sizes and activity are the biggest factors.

No, it's the food.

The most highly rewarding and palatable rodent diet I know of is the "cafeteria diet", composed of human junk food. This diet is unmatched among solid-food diets in its ability to cause persistent overeating and rapid obesity in rodents, easily surpassing high-fat and high-sugar diets, although these also cause fat gain to a lesser degree (3). Rodents will voluntarily endure extreme cold or foot shocks to obtain this food, even when regular chow is freely available (4, 5).

Rats don't have culture or portion sizes. They only use instinct. And when provided human junk food, they get obese fast.

You can try to get aged cheese, some vegetables, and meet in HEB and you'll be interrupted by some guy handing out samples of some bastardization of cheese, flour, sugar, and other stuff.

 

[DrSlek]

Everything's big in Texas

 

[IceCold]

Not sure. For example, I saw a ton of very calorie-dense staple food items in Japan (starting with rice, lol), but no one really... "indulges" like people here in Mexico from what I noticed. I think portion sizes and activity are the biggest factors.

Portion size and exercise is for sure a big thing. But imo one of the biggest problems in the US is that fast food is so cheap.

No, it's the food.



Rats don't have culture or portion sizes. They only use instinct. And when provided human junk food, they get obese fast.

You can try to get aged cheese, some vegetables, and meet in HEB and you'll be interrupted by some guy handing out samples of some bastardization of cheese, flour, sugar, and other stuff.

Fast food is literally engineered to be as addictive as possible. It plays with our biology and our affinity for the things we need: sugar, salt, fat, etc.

 

[youngplaya21]

Lived in Texas and Louisiana my whole life. Trust me: they aren't lying about the obesity rate...

 

[gohepcat]

Everywhere I watch I just keep seeing editorials about the subject, and honestly after spending 1 year in california in high school i've got to say that honestly i didn't see so many obese people, and most of kids in my school were really thin.

i know my experience is completely anecdotal but i was wondering if the issue a little bit blown out of proportions

You keep seeing "editorials"?

I don't even understand....we are becoming obese because the numbers show we are becoming obese. These are not opinions, they are simply numbers.

I'm very confused by this post.

 

[teh_pwn]

At some point, the population needs to exert some self-control. They sell 90% of the same stuff in Canadian supermarkets as they do in the USA and people here are nowhere near as fat.

Sure. But let's eliminate all junk food from schools and subsidize highly nutritious food and then when kids are consenting adults with knowledge of what disregulates hunger make an autonomous decision. Much like how 18 year olds can choose to smoke.

 

[rudieboy77]

In complete honesty obesity is linked to income, shit food is cheaper and depression leads to over eating.

 

[RSLAEV]

Hey I have a slightly related question that isn't worth making another thread for: If beer makes you fat, then how come the UK has such a pub culture and the country isn't fat as all hell. You see these guys/girls talking about all the 'pints' they drink (UK Pint = 20 oz), but I'm here in america feeling guilty every time I suck down a measly 12 ouncer.

 

[goldsoundz]

I guess I've become so accustomed to seeing overweight people that the only standouts are morbidly obese people unable to walk on their own two legs. Not that many noteworthy fatties in my day-to-day sightings.

 

[gohepcat]

Portion size and exercise is for sure a big thing. But imo one of the biggest problems in the US is that fast food is so cheap.

The science seems to point to what we are eating. We are just as active as we were in 1985, but we seem to be eating far more processed foods and simple sugars. Much more carbs.

 

[Divvy]

At some point, the population needs to exert some self-control. They sell 90% of the same stuff in Canadian supermarkets as they do in the USA and people here are nowhere near as fat.

Yeah well we're getting fatter too. The only thing holding us back is that garbage food is more expensive here than in the US. And their fast food is like half the price of ours.

 

[gryz]

most food in the US (and especially fast food) has a "crack like" effect that makes you just crave more and more food since its just loaded with calories, carbs and fat. its easier to load the food with chemicals and stuff instead of just making the actual food quality taste good.

I recently spent a week in Japan and lost a bunch of weight even though I was eating constantly, when i got back all the food here seemed overwhelming and gross, but they slowly pulled me back in.

 

[teh_pwn]

Hey I have a slightly related question that isn't worth making another thread for: If beer makes you fat, then how come the UK has such a pub culture and the country isn't fat as all hell. You see these guys/girls talking about all the 'pints' they drink (UK Pint = 20 oz), but I'm here in america feeling guilty every time I suck down a measly 12 ouncer.

Because beer is one of many rewarding types of food.

UK isn't exactly fit either.

most food in the US (and especially fast food) has a "crack like" effect that makes you just crave more and more food since its just loaded with calories and fat. its easier to load the food with chemicals and stuff instead of just making the actual food quality taste good.

I recently spent a week in Japan and lost a bunch of weight even though I was eating constantly, when i got back all the food here seemed overwhelming and gross, but they slowly pulled me back in.

You're absolutely right. It isn't by accident, it's highly engineered food.

Try overeating on traditional Japanese cuisine...not easy. You'll gag when you're full because your brain will correctly assess body fat homeostatis.

 

[RM8]

Portion size and exercise is for sure a big thing. But imo one of the biggest problems in the US is that fast food is so cheap.

My issue with this "fast food is cheap!" theory is that, well, Mexico is the second most obese country in the world and we have really cheap veggies and fruit. As in, REALLY cheap, honestly fast food is rather expensive in comparison.

 

[$200]

In complete honesty obesity is linked to income, shit food is cheaper and depression leads to over eating.

Poor income -> too much junk food =S?

The poor people in third world countries must all be overweight now.

 

[Mister Wilhelm]

Yes. Fat people EVERYWHERE.

It's disgusting.

 

[neojubei]

I live in the south. It's depressing seeing people order double burgers with large fries and coke for lunch. They have to know it's really bad for them, so I don't know why they keep poisoning themselves with it. Shit is sad.

I've noticed that the small size in most fast food places in America well in the Boston area is a large size in other countries. I am glad I cut fast food out of my diet.

Yes. Fat people EVERYWHERE.

It's disgusting.

Don't make this a hate fat people thread. Sigh.
I'm fat or obese I suppose. I am doing my best. Going to the gym 5 times a week for an hour and half. Counting calories and writing down foods I eat. Recently lost 15 pounds. I try not to look down on other fat people because it is a struggle especially if your job is to sit at a desk all day.

 

[shira]

In complete honesty obesity is linked to income, shit food is cheaper and depression leads to over eating.

billionaire, playboy, philanthropist

 

[akira28]

Poor income -> too much junk food =S?

The poor people in third world countries must all be overweight now.

look at what they eat. Fresh vegetables, seafood, meat when they can afford it. Tons of rice.

Not 3 1$ dorito tacos.

 

[gryz]

My issue with this "fast food is cheap!" theory is that, well, Mexico is the second most obese country in the world and we have really cheap veggies and fruit. As in, REALLY cheap, honestly fast food is rather expensive in comparison.

mexican food is ridiculous though

vs

 

[red13th]

FWIW california is one of the lesser obese states

Good for Colorado.

 

[crimzonflame]

When I went to Florida a few years back almost everyone I saw was obese. It was disgusting.

 

[jerry113]

I've noticed that the small size in most fast food places in America well in the Boston area is a large size in other countries.

The same is also true when it comes to clothes sizes, at least in Asia. An M shirt size in the US is often an L in Japan.

 

[Thorakai]

My issue with this "fast food is cheap!" theory is that, well, Mexico is the second most obese country in the world and we have really cheap veggies and fruit. As in, REALLY cheap, honestly fast food is rather expensive in comparison.

Could be that bad food being prevelent in general exarcebates obesity. In the U.S. we have markets full of processed junk and fast food, Mexico has "antojitos" at every corner which is often something fried or wrapped in a tortilla. Unhealthy/fattening food is just too ingrained in both cultures.

 

[RM8]

mexican food is ridiculous though
*Pics*

Om nom. My two favorite cuisines <3

Completely agree. Mexican food is pretty much always deep fried, often with plenty of cheese, milk cream, and of course Mexico adopted Coke as its national beverage and I think it's the second (first?) biggest soda consumer in the world.

@Thorakai: Pretty much. It's definitely not an issue of poverty, though, but an issue of people simply don't caring about what they eat. I swear even I as a Mexican living in Mexico get shocked at how cheap vegetables can be around here.

 

[IceCold]

The science seems to point to what we are eating. We are just as active as we were in 1985, but we seem to be eating far more processed foods and simple sugars. Much more carbs.

We were more active back then I think, and even more so in the 60s and before. I'm not talking about going to the gym or doing Pilates, but just walking more often (to school, to the store) or playing outside (how many kids to this these days?). These days you can do everything without leaving your couch, You can order food or your groceries and buy pretty much anything you need online.

But yeah, processed foods and refined carbs are the true killer, but that's what happens when your vilify fat for so long.

 

[Divvy]

My issue with this "fast food is cheap!" theory is that, well, Mexico is the second most obese country in the world and we have really cheap veggies and fruit. As in, REALLY cheap, honestly fast food is rather expensive in comparison.

Isn't mexican cuisine rich with carbs like beans and dough? That might help explain some things.

Om nom. My two favorite cuisines <3

Completely agree. Mexican food is pretty much always deep fried, often with plenty of cheese, milk cream, and of course Mexico adopted Coke as its national beverage and I think it's the second (first?) biggest soda consumer in the world.

Well there's your problem

 

[RM8]

Isn't mexican cuisine rich with carbs like beans and dough?

Asian food is rather carb-heavy as well, so I'm not sure it's that. Coke -is- an issue, though. Mexico worships coke.

 

[teh_pwn]

Isn't mexican cuisine rich with carbs like beans and dough? That might help explain some things.

Look at the 2 pictures above. Imagine you're fairly full.

Which one would you likely consider eating despite being full? Both have carbs.

Hell, just compare the rice. One is clearly steamed, plain. The other seems to be seasoned/salted.

 

[NaughtyCalibur]

Cleveland, Ohio reporting in. Fat people everywhere.

It's not so bad if you go to a good area like Parma, Lakewood or Westlake, but the heart of Cleveland is mostly really fat black people. They just eat McDonald's and down sodas all day long it would seem.

Hell, even I could afford to lose 30lbs. But that's due almost entirely to the shitty alcohol habit I sunk into over the last 12 months.

 

[RM8]

Hell, just compare the rice. One is clearly steamed, plain. The other seems to be seasoned/salted.

It's fried. Rice in Mexico is always fried, often with butter.

 

[nickcv]

It's fried. Rice in Mexico is always fried, often with butter.

damn you guys really go for the overkill...
i barely eat fried food it makes me nauseous...

 

[apesh1t]

In complete honesty obesity is linked to income, shit food is cheaper and depression leads to over eating.

Don't waste your time. I went for several pages in the last "OMG USA BE SO FAT!!!" thread and no one listened to me or read the links I supplied proving this.

Neogaf's main purpose is to look outside in on problems and judge people. Everyone here is in perfect shape, doesn't drink soda (because sugar!!!!!!!!), hits the gym 24/7, and has .5% body fat. These threads serve no purpose but to give entitled nerds a high horse.

 

[Alligatorjandro]

fat people everywhere in the south

 

[Piggus]

Everywhere I watch I just keep seeing editorials about the subject, and honestly after spending 1 year in california in high school i've got to say that honestly i didn't see so many obese people, and most of kids in my school were really thin.

i know my experience is completely anecdotal but i was wondering if the issue a little bit blown out of proportions

Depending on where you live here there's either a lot of fat people or not very many at all. And there often seems to be a correlation between free number of fat people and the number of conservatives.

Also anecdotal, but my town (which is very liberal) has barely any obese people. Same deal with Portland, San Francisco etc. But drive 10 miles from where I am to the conservative shithole known as Medford, OR and there's obese people all over the place. Poverty has an impact as well, sadly.

 

[neojubei]

The same is also true when it comes to clothes sizes, at least in Asia. An M shirt size in the US is often an L in Japan.

Yeah that too. I can never buy clothes in Japan until I lose this weight. Going back this year though

 

[Ra\/en]

Yes, obesity id rampant in the U.S. It's so bad that people have forgot what "normal" weight looks like. It's all relative.

 

[MIMIC]

Everywhere I watch I just keep seeing editorials about the subject, and honestly after spending 1 year in california in high school i've got to say that honestly i didn't see so many obese people, and most of kids in my school were really thin.

i know my experience is completely anecdotal but i was wondering if the issue a little bit blown out of proportions

That's because all the obese people are stuck inside their houses.

 

[Aeriscloud]

Neogaf's main purpose is to look outside in on problems and judge people. Everyone here is in perfect shape, doesn't drink soda (because sugar!!!!!!!!), hits the gym 24/7, and has .5% body fat. These threads serve no purpose but to give entitled nerds a high horse.

Pfft. I'm not those things, but then what do I know I'm just a junior.

 

[whatsinaname]

I live in Michigan.... so yeah.

 

[RM8]

damn you guys really go for the overkill...
i barely eat fried food it makes me nauseous...

When it's not fried...

It's drowned in milk and sugar.

 

[Divvy]

When it's not fried...

It's drowned in milk and sugar.

Good god lol

 

[MIMIC]

To be honest, I see a lot of fat people, but rarely see STUPID fat people....like people who need to be on scooters to move/walk at 0.0000001 MPH

 

[nickcv]

When it's not fried...

It's drowned in milk and sugar.

wtf is that? cheese with cinnamon on it?

 

[IceCold]

Asian food is rather carb-heavy as well, so I'm not sure it's that. Coke -is- an issue, though. Mexico worships coke.

iirc, Asians tend to eat smaller portions and are more active (using bicycles for example). Do Asians eat potatoes and a lot of sweets?

When it's not fried...

It's drowned in milk and sugar.

Makes me think of this Portuguese dessert:

Arroz doce/Sweet Rice: Rice + Milk + Sugar + Cinnamon

There's similar one called Aletria that uses some type of pasta instead.

 

[RM8]

wtf is that? cheese with cinnamon on it?

Nope, it's mostly rice, milk and sugar.

iirc, Asians tend to eat smaller portions and are more active (using bicycles for example). Do Asians eat potatoes and a lot of sweets?

I don't recall potatoes being that common, but people do eat plenty of sweets. OH GEESUS some train stations in Japan always smell like freshly baked sweets.