Conversely, for the most part,Anglo-based ones like the USA, Canada, Australia, and of course, the UK are at the top. Largely because we don't know how to eat.
But we'd be foolish to conclude anything based on this chart. Sweden is not known for its cuisine but it does have a reputation for being active. Then again, its neighbour Finland (which is not technically a Scandinavian nation) is higher up the scale. Mexico has a traditional national diet and finds itself near the top alongside its North American brethren.
Also, there's much more to this than just mere conumption.
Canada is of particular interest for me because (aside from the perception of "fat" Italians growing up) it almost gets no national media attention. Instead, we are treated to reports on how the Americans top the list. I can understand this if we were one of the better countries but we're not. Our record isn't something to brag about nor does it justify a "look at those Americans" type of nationalistic journalism.
Just the other day the local sports station led with this on one of its sports break reports. I found it odd. Is all.
Graph ripped off from The Economist.
You did notice that Mexico is second on that chart, didn't you? They are to blame for the obesity in the US southwest also. The increase in obesity there is in direct proportion to the expansion of the number of small taquerias in the area.
ReplyDeleteWhich reminds me... I need some taquitos with guacamole (and cheese)