Hey! You are FAT!!!!

[Emoni]

I was a skinny kid, but a fat teenager. I grew up without any real food education, and my parents never really said anything or really even bothered to eat semi-healthy. After a few years in college (and liking someone a lot) I lost the weight and never went back. 35 kilos gone, in half a year. That was almost a decade ago now. The lady will be getting married to some other guy.

I'm bringing this up because as everyone knows obesity in the US, is frightening. While being in Japan lessens the encounters with the morbidly obese, worldwide obesity is also rising.

Why? Various reasons I believe, but mostly a combination of just plain ignorance. No knowledge of nutrition, no knowledge of exercise or even various options for exercise, and probably just a lot of laziness on top of this. This is of course the base for the scams and criminals of the so called exercise and health food industry. Exploiting things with fad exercise machines and programs that are so full of crap that I am amazed no one associated goes to prison for fraud.

I used to work as a teacher in the school system in California (what a frightening joke of an education system that was... but another thread for that someday), and the school lunches were nothing but fried everything with more sugar. Some schools had been "sold out" to McDonald or Pepsi with the drinks that the kids were sold simply cause the school could afford nothing more. It was the most unhealthy food you could imagine, all for kid school lunches. There was NO nutritional value in any of this crap. Sure it's fine to eat sometimes, but every single f'ing day for a lunch for a kid?

I just noticed this article on Yahoo that generally mirrors my reaction. It's concerning a teacher who started a blog about the situation of school lunches.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/heal...ay-to-prove-a-point-this-teacher-did-1157394/

So, instead of all these repetitive "Why my religion is right and you can burn in hell" threads, I figured this would be a topic that could be a nice change.

What are your thoughts on the rising obesity plague in the US as well as the world?

 

[Jncocontrol]

I'm a skinny mother hubber, I've been trying to gain weight since the my freshmen year in high school. I weight to this day 130Lb, When i was in 8th grade i weight 80LB. everyone else weight around 115LB.
No joke.

Were i am trying to get at with this is that i think it has also something to do with your metabolism and how fast you burn fat and such and what you eat.

What i think they should do is still include hamburgers and such, But also give out like fruits, Milk, a side of vegetables, Orange juice, Apple juice. Stuff that give a bit more nutrition.
Thats my take on it at least.

 

[Emoni]

Well, if you ever do want to gain weight (and that sounds VERY low weight) consider some to failure weight training and GOMAD (gallon of milk a day). For me, I have the reverse, where I have to be careful what I eat cause I gain weight easily.

 

[Tsuyoiko]

Obesity is an increasing problem in the UK too.

I used to be a school librarian, and they did try to offer healthier choices, but if the kids wanted chips they would crawl under the fence and go to the chip shop, so I guess it's hard to enforce even if the schools have good intentions.

I've never personally had a weight problem. I've been about 9-9.5 stone since I left school. My husband is about 3 stone overweight. When I met him he was 9.5, now he's about 14.5. His weight gain is partly my fault as I always cook too much, but I think partly due to a change in job. He used to be a factory labourer and then a potter, both demanding physical jobs. When he moved to quality audit he started to gain the weight, and it got worse when he started working in a call centre.

I think Jncocontrol has a point that it's partly down to metabolism. My husband and I both eat roughly the same stuff and have office jobs, but I think my nervy disposition goes with a faster metabolism.

Perhaps the increase in obesity is partly down to a shift in the kinds of jobs people do. It would be interesting to study it in the area where I live, which is a very working class, low income, basic education area. Twenty years ago the major industries were mining and pottery. Now they are distribution and call centres. I bet there's a higher incidence of obesity among those that have moved into the call centres.

 

[epigene]

Weight control, my favorite topic!!

Yes, I agree that metabolism is a major factor. My husband eats quite a lot but was never fat. He maintains the weight he had since his 20s. As for me, my weight fluctuates widely with the things I eat.

When I'm busy, I tend to crave for junk food and sweets (potato chips, sembei crackers, pastries, etc., etc.). When I'm not, I'm not interested in food that much. Now in my 50s, my weight problem has become a serious health issue--diabetes, cardiovascular problems, etc.
I found that I am able to control my weight well with genmai (unpolished rice) as my main source of carbohydrates, what is called a "good carb" diet.
A High Protein Diet Won't Make You Lose Weight Long Term: In Fact, It May Make You Fatter
This has helped me tremendously, cutting down on my cravings.
Exercise has increased metabolism to the point that I no longer gain weight drastically as I did before, even when I don't have time for exercise.

I recently read an interesting article here:
Discovery of 'fat' taste could hold the key to reducing obesity
I have a feeling this is something that explains why I find foods in the US (sorry, haven't been to the UK yet!) very heavy and the cakes and candies too sweet for my taste.
However, younger Japanese are consuming a lot more fat now (there are mayonnaise freaks and those who go to MacDonalds almost every day) and their palate is no longer the same as that of the older generations.
Japan's life span record will probably become a thing of the past in a couple of decades!

 

[Emoni]

I'll agree that metabolism is a factor of course; however, I definitely want to point out that I don't agree of it being stated as a REASON for being overweight. There is certainly a big difference there. And even if you have a slower metabolism it doesn't mean you can't counter that with a bit more exercise, or simply eating smarter.

 

[epigene]

I'll agree that metabolism is a factor of course; however, I definitely want to point out that I don't agree of it being stated as a REASON for being overweight. There is certainly a big difference there. And even if you have a slower metabolism it doesn't mean you can't counter that with a bit more exercise, or simply eating smarter.

Yes, metabolism is not a reason for being overweight. High metabolic rate is something some people are blessed with and something others try to gain.

Anyway, I think it has a lot to do with how you're brought up. Aside from those who practice vegetarianism and other diets for health and stick to it, most people are driven by their taste buds that are trained in their childhood.
I think obesity is the result of training in food choices--escalated later in adult life with stress and life problems.

 

[Chidoriashi]

Yeah, I agree with the school lunches being crap. Elementary school was not that bad for me, but once you get to junior high.. everyday the cheapest thing you could get would be this combo thing.. and part of the combo was always a greasy dish of french fries and a chocolate or vanilla shake.. somehow I was educated about how bad that was.. maybe it was my mom... or possible a nutrition class.. but I usually opted to get the slightly more expensive "bar" of the day which usually had some decently healthy food.

One thing I think (I will say America here since that is where I am from) America could do is take a few lessons from Asian countries about how to cook vegetables.. the best tasting vegetable dishes I have ever had have been here in Japan.. I mean I would eat vegetables in the states, but it was less about pleasure, and more about just downing them cuz I know they are good for me. I don't know, maybe I have just never been around somebody that knows how to cook them good back home..

 

[Chidoriashi]

When I'm busy, I tend to crave for junk food and sweets (potato chips, sembei crackers, pastries, etc., etc.).

NOOOO.... you consider sembei to be junk??

Well I know some sembei has high fat content, and I avoid those.. but sembei is like my favorite snack over here. .. Would you say there are some healthier sembei out there?

 

[Chidoriashi]

I'll agree that metabolism is a factor of course; however, I definitely want to point out that I don't agree of it being stated as a REASON for being overweight. There is certainly a big difference there. And even if you have a slower metabolism it doesn't mean you can't counter that with a bit more exercise, or simply eating smarter.

I agree that metabolism should not be an excuse for being overweight. But I do have some level of sympathy for people who have not been blessed genetically, and i think part of the problem once again lies in education, if people can know more about things like metabolism those who have the will may become proactive about it before it gets out of hand. I think it is much easier to keep it under control than to get it back under control.

I will be 32 this year, and I know full well that my metabolism is slowing down. I am still within the standard weight class, but I could easily start pushing towards the 窶堙｢窶堙｢ﾂ坂?壺?堋｢ area for body fat etc. So I have become much more conscious about my portion sizes, and trying to do things like eat 4-5 smaller meals (which is dam* near impossible), drink buttloads of green tea, and get to the gym at least 3 times a week. I do believe it is making a difference, and keeping me from joining my older brothers on the "fat side" as they jokingly call it.

 

[thomas]

After a few years in college (and liking someone a lot) I lost the weight and never went back. 35 kilos gone, in half a year.

That's very impressive, Emoni! I was in a similar situation more than ten years ago: after I was decommissioned from army service I weighed in at 108kg. It took me half a year to lose 26kg. I swore never to cross that 100kg barrier ever again.


Obesity is a big issue in Europe, too. In particular, childhood obesity, with Germany and the UK topping the list.

 

[epigene]

NOOOO.... you consider sembei to be junk??
Well I know some sembei has high fat content, and I avoid those.. but sembei is like my favorite snack over here. .. Would you say there are some healthier sembei out there?

YEEEES, it's junk!
But, at least in the Japanese diet.
A lot of the sembei sold at supermarkets is the fried type (age-sen) which, I admit, is delicious.
Even if it's not, it has high salt content. It's also "bad carb." That's BAD for my diet.
I don't avoid sembei but try to eat it sparingly now.

 

[JasonS]

As far as the US goes, I think there are a number of issues. Education, lack of exercise, poor choices at the grocery store (maybe going back to education?), poor common sense, increasing portion sizes...

As Emoni mentioned, all the diet and exercise fads/scams out there are scary, and I do think they target people without either common sense or even just basic knowledge about nutrition and exercise. Diet pills with fine print saying that the average person lost 10 pounds, 5 of which were fat? What were the other 5 pounds lost? Muscle? Water weight? Ab machines that promise six-pack abs, but not mentioning that the only way to really get abs to show like those people in the commercials is to have a body-fat percentage down around 4 or 5%. I cringe every time I see those commercials on tv.

Processed foods and increasing portion sizes are big problems, in my opinion. For years, I ate nothing but frozen foods for dinner because they were fast, cheap, and they filled me up. I knew they were bad for me, but money was an issue, and processed foods are usually cheaper than more nutritional choices. Besides, I don't enjoy cooking, so it was easier to throw a couple frozen meat pies in the oven than to spend 30 minutes making something from scratch. I think a lot of famlies do the same these days though. They buy more processed foods to save money and time, at the expense of nutrition.

I haven't seen any news articles recently comparing how much exercise people get these days compared to the past, but I can't help but think it's quite a bit less. It's just too easy to park yourself on the couch or at the computer and do nothing but play video games or watch movies (that you don't even need to leave the house to rent) all weekend instead of going out and doing something more active. I'm guilty of spending way too many weekends indoors instead of going out on an easy hike with the camera.

It might be a bit of a stretch, but... The average house size in the US has gone up by about 1,000 sq ft (about 93 sq meters if my math is right) in the past 30 years, and many new houses seem to have rooms specifically meant for watching tv or playing games. It's almost like houses are being built more for the occupants to stay inside and be lazy instead of being active.

I feel like I've gone on a bit of a rant, so apologies for that. I'm used to being a lurker instead of a participant... Hope I've made a little sense.

 

[Emoni]

It might be a bit of a stretch, but... The average house size in the US has gone up by about 1,000 sq ft (about 93 sq meters if my math is right) in the past 30 years, and many new houses seem to have rooms specifically meant for watching tv or playing games. It's almost like houses are being built more for the occupants to stay inside and be lazy instead of being active.
I feel like I've gone on a bit of a rant, so apologies for that. I'm used to being a lurker instead of a participant... Hope I've made a little sense.

Pretty good "rant" I thought. The point about the rooms in houses almost being to keep you from going outside was interesting. In Japan, almost every friend tells me that they lose weight (they are American) just by living here, usually because of the extra exercise and walking in general combined with the food. I'm not going to say Japan is more educated on health in general, but there are some real benefits. Although seeing skinny twigs walking around certainly isn't appealing though...

 

[Hezam]

I tried very hard to be fat but i could not !!
I am not fat and not very skinny..

 

[JasonS]

Pretty good "rant" I thought. The point about the rooms in houses almost being to keep you from going outside was interesting. In Japan, almost every friend tells me that they lose weight (they are American) just by living here, usually because of the extra exercise and walking in general combined with the food. I'm not going to say Japan is more educated on health in general, but there are some real benefits. Although seeing skinny twigs walking around certainly isn't appealing though...

I think there's something to be said for the diet in Japan. It's my impression, and I assume you'll correct me if I'm wrong, that the average diet in Japan contains a lot more vegetables than a typical American diet. Veggies tend to fill you up faster without consuming so many calories.

It would be interesting to see how far a typical person in Japan walks (or bikes?) per day compared to a similar person in America. My guess is that someone in Japan will walk more, but I've got nothing concrete to base that on. I'll have to see if I can find something on that for America, but I doubt there's anything similar for Japan that I would be able to read.

I admit, all the extra skinny legs I saw when I was in Japan a couple years ago just didn't do anything for me.

 

[Elizabeth]

Weight control, my favorite topic!!
Yes, I agree that metabolism is a major factor. My husband eats quite a lot but was never fat. He maintains the weight he had since his 20s. As for me, my weight fluctuates widely with the things I eat.
When I'm busy, I tend to crave for junk food and sweets (potato chips, sembei crackers, pastries, etc., etc.). When I'm not, I'm not interested in food that much. Now in my 50s, my weight problem has become a serious health issue--diabetes, cardiovascular problems, etc.
I found that I am able to control my weight well with genmai (unpolished rice) as my main source of carbohydrates, what is called a "good carb" diet.
A High Protein Diet Won't Make You Lose Weight Long Term: In Fact, It May Make You Fatter
This has helped me tremendously, cutting down on my cravings.
Exercise has increased metabolism to the point that I no longer gain weight drastically as I did before, even when I don't have time for exercise.
I recently read an interesting article here:
Discovery of 'fat' taste could hold the key to reducing obesity
I have a feeling this is something that explains why I find foods in the US (sorry, haven't been to the UK yet!) very heavy and the cakes and candies too sweet for my taste.
However, younger Japanese are consuming a lot more fat now (there are mayonnaise freaks and those who go to MacDonalds almost every day) and their palate is no longer the same as that of the older generations.
Japan's life span record will probably become a thing of the past in a couple of decades!

I try to follow a traditional Mediterranean diet pyramid insofar as it seems very natural and sensible -- 90% full of fresh vegetables, fruits, or whole grains -- (without the virgin olive oil, pasta or pizza !!) which is probably tied for first with Japanese in terms of large population world diets. Although I also pig out with heaps of Nishiki genmai EVERY night -- no portion control here :gohan: -- on top of 30 minutes of stationary bike exercise 6 days a week. Who hates a feeling of guilty satiation -- the mindset of an anorexic (5'6" at 125 lbs (56.7 kilos) !!!
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/rss/nn20091011a3.html
Are Japanese girls skinny?

 

[Hezam]

The Song above is awsome ^^
He is very true Lol

 

[MeAndroo]

It would be interesting to see how far a typical person in Japan walks (or bikes?) per day compared to a similar person in America. My guess is that someone in Japan will walk more, but I've got nothing concrete to base that on. I'll have to see if I can find something on that for America, but I doubt there's anything similar for Japan that I would be able to read.

Out here in the countryside, walking is much less common than in the cities, but it's still more than folks move in America. As a former overweight LA-dweller, I understand why as well (it's hot, the air sucks, and things aren't convenient).

Like some of the other posters, I used to be overweight. About 4 years ago, I was up around 100-105 kilos and working a desk job I didn't like. I changed jobs (albeit to another office), got motivated and got in shape. For me, it helped a LOT to be motivated in a group. We pooled a bunch of money and bet on who would lose the most weight over 3 months...with that kind of everyday reminder and a specific goal at the end, I had no trouble staying on course and eventually dropping about 25 kilos.

I'm still a bit over what I want to be (about 75), and a lot of that is due to the winter (gained 3 just from all that nabe ), but things like lifestyle definitely affect it. I also gain weight easily, so balancing that with my schedule and tendency towards fattening foods is a daily struggle but much easier with my friends hitting the gym with me.

I must say, the everyday school lunch at an elementary school in Japan is amazing. Well balanced, always varied, and usually in the pretty good to delicious range. Those natto days are something else though.

 

[JasonS]

At my heaviest, I was about 95kg. I managed to lose about 15, but now I'm putting it back on. I'm lifting weights 5 nights a week now, so I'd like to think that everything I've added back (about 11kg so far) is all muscle, but I'm sure it's not ALL muscle.

Anyway, there was a point to mentioning that... Based on some of the questions people have asked here in the past, and some blogs I've read, it seems that gyms in Japan are few and far between compared to America, and they're pretty expensive. If that's true, what do you think is the reason? Are they simply not necessary because people get enough exercise in their daily lives? Does the average person not have time? Or are gyms just far more common in America because we have the highest level of obesity and gyms are trying to cash in on the desire (and need) to lose weight?

I must say, the everyday school lunch at an elementary school in Japan is amazing. Well balanced, always varied, and usually in the pretty good to delicious range. Those natto days are something else though.

I read another blog this week about an Australian who moved his family to somewhere near Hiroshima. He said that the school his kids attend doesn't allow students to take chocolate to school (and maybe other sweets as well; it wasn't clear). Is this something that would be unique to his kids' school, or do other schools monitor what students take? I imagine there would be riots, protests, and lawsuits if schools here in the US tried to cut down on the junk food that's brought from home or bought right at school.

 

[MeAndroo]

Anyway, there was a point to mentioning that... Based on some of the questions people have asked here in the past, and some blogs I've read, it seems that gyms in Japan are few and far between compared to America, and they're pretty expensive. If that's true, what do you think is the reason? Are they simply not necessary because people get enough exercise in their daily lives? Does the average person not have time? Or are gyms just far more common in America because we have the highest level of obesity and gyms are trying to cash in on the desire (and need) to lose weight?

I read another blog this week about an Australian who moved his family to somewhere near Hiroshima. He said that the school his kids attend doesn't allow students to take chocolate to school (and maybe other sweets as well; it wasn't clear). Is this something that would be unique to his kids' school, or do other schools monitor what students take? I imagine there would be riots, protests, and lawsuits if schools here in the US tried to cut down on the junk food that's brought from home or bought right at school.

The gyms that exist where I am are indeed few and far between. We are lucky to have a decent one in my town, but there isn't another public one for about an hour's drive. Many people here adopt a change in diet instead of more exercise when they want to lose weight. They also have other ways of getting exercise.

As far as cost, I pay about 3000 yen a month, which is comparable to gyms in America (though I was paying about $14 for 24 hour fitness when I lived in LA). The free weights aren't as plentiful, but the facilities are beautiful, offer free fitness classes, have a free locker room and pool, and plenty of cardio equipment.

As far as kids bringing food to schools, they aren't allowed to bring anything but tea. They don't really search the kids, but if they find out about it, it isn't looked upon well. Word of mouth from kids to teachers flows much easier in elementary schools based on my experience.

 

[Kirirao]

Hey! I am FAT!!!!

My religion is right and everyone else should burn in hell!!! *cough* I mean...

I do agree that to some extent ignorance and metabolism do play some role, being a fat guy myself, I blame it on the food price. (and myself to for not having the willpower) You can even see those in Japan, 100 yen Mac vs an Apple for instance, which are more easier and cheaper to get and more fulfilling?. Fruits and Veggie price stays the same but the other unhealthy stuff goes down (obviously the portions goes up too) such as the introduction of the quarter-pounder and such. The supermarket also is selling tons of cheap age-mono too.

And yet, our salary ain't going up that fast. Living in a tight budget and don't cook, it's always the cheaper and the more filling food wins, unfortunately they are always the bad ones. Furthermore, they are easy to access and open 24/7, on the contrary to the more healthier food shop. Over at my place, you can just walk for a bout 2 - 3mins to reach the nearest Mac and KFC for example, and another 5 mins to find another one. You can't say that about the more healthier choices. You probably have to pay more, go further to get those. Even those 100yen apple juice and orange juice in the conbi is filled with sugar and just sugar( i think ). But Japan is still mild compared to my hometown, where non-fried food is almost impossible to find. But the trend is changing IMO.

Being healthy cost money and being unhealthy save you money. That's how I feel about the current food trend around the world right now. Oh and what do you guys think about Matsuya and Yoshinoya and such. Are they considered a healthy choice?

Oh on the other note, if someone could PM me on how to get a healthier choice in Tokyo, I'd be grateful.

 

[epigene]

Here in Tokyo, gym memberships are rather expensive, although the rates are going down with more people now terminating memberships and opting for exercise on their own. The one closest to me charge at least $50 per month (I think for admission only on weekdays during daytime). A full membership will cost close to $100.

In my experience putting 2 kids through school here in Japan, no food from home or store is allowed in elementary school. Not even tea! (I wonder why tea is allowed in MeAndroo's school...)
However, the rule is relaxed at junior high and high schools, because students at this stage become hungry before lunchtime arrives and snack during morning breaks. Some of my kids' pals brought two packed lunches every day--one to eat around 10am and another at 12. Those who belong to exercise-oriented extracurricular activities bring something to eat or buy snacks at a nearby store.
Still, what these kids eat are usually relatively wholesome--because most mothers work hard on preparing bento that is balanced and healthy. My daily preoccupation in those days was "what should I prepare for bento tomorrow morning."
But, there are kids whose mothers don't do anything. There was a kid in my daughter's class who brought MacDonalds hamburgers for lunch almost every day.

Trying to eat healthy in Tokyo? Yes, it's tough as it is in the US, although takeout and restaurant foods in Japan tend not to be as fatty as they are in the US. And, healthy restaurant foods tend to be expensive, too. The only way is to cook yourself... ☝
Matsuya and Yoshinoya? Count the number of vegetable varieties (excluding rice) on your plate or tray... If you have no more than 3 or 4, you're not eating anything healthy...

 

[Elizabeth]

My religion is right and everyone else should burn in hell!!! *cough* I mean...

I do agree that to some extent ignorance and metabolism do play some role, being a fat guy myself, I blame it on the food price. (and myself to for not having the willpower) You can even see those in Japan, 100 yen Mac vs an Apple for instance, which are more easier and cheaper to get and more fulfilling?. Fruits and Veggie price stays the same but the other unhealthy stuff goes down (obviously the portions goes up too) such as the introduction of the quarter-pounder and such. The supermarket also is selling tons of cheap age-mono too.

And yet, our salary ain't going up that fast. Living in a tight budget and don't cook, it's always the cheaper and the more filling food wins, unfortunately they are always the bad ones. Furthermore, they are easy to access and open 24/7, on the contrary to the more healthier food shop. Over at my place, you can just walk for a bout 2 - 3mins to reach the nearest Mac and KFC for example, and another 5 mins to find another one. You can't say that about the more healthier choices. You probably have to pay more, go further to get those. Even those 100yen apple juice and orange juice in the conbi is filled with sugar and just sugar( i think ). But Japan is still mild compared to my hometown, where non-fried food is almost impossible to find. But the trend is changing IMO.

Being healthy cost money and being unhealthy save you money. That's how I feel about the current food trend around the world right now. Oh and what do you guys think about Matsuya and Yoshinoya and such. Are they considered a healthy choice?

Oh on the other note, if someone could PM me on how to get a healthier choice in Tokyo, I'd be grateful.

This isn't from personal experience, but the Japanese chain 窶佚･ﾅ津銀?ｰﾃ Ootoya is supposed to be economical and healthy (lots of vegan offerings, etc). And nutrition definitely trumps exercise or training in getting to the ideal weight.

Everyone has to be extremely careful with the fat problem -- but I think these links got lose in the shuffle upthread re :more unhealthy to be too thin if you are eating less food than your body needs.


http://search.japantimes.co.jp/rss/nn20091011a3.html
Are Japanese girls skinny?

 

[Chidoriashi]

although takeout and restaurant foods in Japan tend not to be as fatty as they are in the US.

This has always cracked me up. Even the "bad" food is better for you here.