And ironically, death rates from obesity just crossed those from hunger. The abundance of food (or rather, abysmal diet culture) is now starting to hurt us.
Sure but isn't it misleading to correlate high caloric intake with obesity? I mean this CAN be the case, but the more weight I lose and the more I work out - the more calories I actually consume.
I think it's safe to say that there's some sort of correlation, although of course obesity is a complex issue.
Higher caloric intake is just part of equation. Sedentary life style, increased stress, reduced sleep,
"western" diet (highly inflammatory, with poor nutrient density), craving-inducing food, and messed up intestinal flora are just some of the things that likely contribute to obesity.
As someone who travels from US to Europe often, I always wonder what exactly it is that causes such dramatic difference.
Is it gluten, that's been under scrutiny lately? It doesn't seem to be so, since so many European countries are happily eating their bread. Although European-favored sourdough has been shown to positively affect intestinal flora through fermentation, unlike those puffy bread-like impostors you see in commercial stores in US.
Lifestyle doesn't seem to differ much either, although Europeans definitely have a more sacred and slower approach to meals, and there's less of that "quick lunch in a rush" culture.
However, portion size and difference in cooking oils (olive in EU vs. corn/cottonseed/canola/etc. in US) seem to stand out the most, and are probably the biggest offenders. [1]
There are a number of reports claiming that wheat strains in the US and Europe are quite different, with differing gluten levels. The US has certainly pioneered the breeding of high-gluten wheats, as they're better for processed goods.
Unfortunately, I can't find a reference with any science.
Certainly in Scandinavia wheat does not play the primary role that it does in the US. Rye, barley, and oats are common in the diet. How many Americans, though, have eaten 100% rye bread even once in their lives?
What about ordering/eating out versus preparing your meals from basic ingredients? (including lunch, which we bring in a box or baggy)
That was a big difference I saw while in the US. I hardly ever order/takeout my meals, and when I do, I do it under the assumption that it'll be strictly less healthy than whatever I'd prepare myself (this may not always be true if you're 1 not a very good cook and 2 only order lunch at very health-focused places)
