sweepinganhyzer t1_j9oo2e2 wrote on February 23, 2023 at 2:08 PM

Reply to comment by Darth_Kahuna in Obesity can cause changes in the brain similar to Alzheimer's by Darth_Kahuna

The regulatory climate on food is drastically different in Europe vs. America. Access to quality healthcare is more prevalent in Europe. Additives and ingredients commonly used in American food manufacturing that are designed to make foods more addictive are banned in Europe. Portion sizes are smaller. The type and frequency of advertising by the food industry is more heavily regulated. The financial incentives and subsidies given to the food industry are also different.

There will always be some amount of the population that is overweight for a myriad of reasons, and I'm not saying that individual choice has no impact. However, pretending that 78% of the population is just lazy and lacking will power is not going to fix this issue.

Darth_Kahuna OP t1_j9oqht4 wrote on February 23, 2023 at 2:26 PM

Did I say anyone was lazy or lacking willpower? I believe there could be more education, better regulation of additives, better regulation of ag, etc. etc. etc. There are EU/European nations w high and growing rates of obesity despite having all the aforementioned healthcare access, regulation, etc. The UK, Poland, Spain, Malta, and Ireland all have over 25% obesity rates and are growing.

It is a multivariate issue that, at the end of the day, rest on personal choice of individuals. It's like voting for a racist; there are many factors that go into why someone would actively support a racist, but, at the end of the day, each citizen is personally responsible for the vote they have cast. At the end of the day, each person is responsible for the consumption choices they make. It's your body, your health, and your life.