Jill

I just recently visited France & Switzerland. I was amazed at how thin everyone was over there in comparison to all the heavy people we have here in the United States. What is their secret? Is it their diet (seems high calories to me), all the wine they drink or is it because they walk more than Americans? Just curious.

Maira

Yes, agree. Is one of the first thing you can't help to notice when in Europe. <BR> <BR>Some observations: I believe it has to do with their eating habits. Europeans seem to eat light breakfasts, light lunches, and late dinners. Their meals are not particularly fat-free, oddly enough. However, they take their time to savor their meals (specially in France) and don't seem to waste a lot of time and money in fast food. <BR> <BR>Also, they seem to walk everywhere, everyday. Food for thought.

wish i

I noticed the same in southern Europe. Maira pretty much hit the nail on the head. I also noticed that they don't have a proliferation of "all you can eat" establishments (no "salad bars" that really contain every kind of disgusting food you can imagine). Europeans also don't insist on driving every single place they go like Americans do; they walk to their destination, or walk to public transportation. Finally, they don't spend every waking, non-working hour with their butts parked at the television set. They walk around their neighborhoods and actively socialize.

Bob Brown

I guess if you are used to seeing obese Americans waddling into the Burger doodle for a double whopper with triple fries and a gargantuan frosty, most Europeans do seem thiner. When I lived in Germany, I rode a bicycle and walked a lot. (No car; no bus to the university.) My friends got in more exercise than we do. Some of it was sports related (my roomie played the German sport of Handball - like soccer only you bounce the ball and throw it), but most of it was a higher level of daily mobility on foot and/or on bicycle. And their eating habits were a little different because food costs in terms of income are higher than they are in the USA. My friends rarely ate between meals, but we ate regularly, usually consuming less meat and more vegetables and sweets. Also, German culture seem to promote a higher level of physical fitness with less over eating. However, after WW II, the German trains had 8 seats in a third class compartment. In the mid '50's, the size of the average adult had increased because of better diets. So when 3rd class was abolished on the trains in favor of the current two class system, the passenger seating was changed to 6 seats per compartment in 2nd class. Given more plentiful high calorie food at cheaper prices, I think you will find the Europeans spreading out as well. So far they seem not to do as much as we do in the USA. I think the answer is in more moderate diets and a higher level of physical activity. <BR>You will see fat people in Europe, but you have to look for them. <BR>

Jo

I also think that in Europe activeness is more a part of life - i.e. gym, swimming, dancing, sports. The meal portions tend to be smaller, lighter and more varied - a little bit of everything. <BR>Can I swing the question around a bit? Why are so many Americans overweight? America probably promotes one of the most "body beautiful" images to young women (Baywatch, Friends, etc). I got a bit surprise walking around in California! What are your opinions? <BR>

Bob Brown

I think Jo has a point. Take the average American college student. Most of them are not obese. There are ample opportunities for physical activity. The University of Georgia where I have been provides a huge indoor facility known as the Ramsey Space Center. There is something for everyone. Also, parking for students is on the permiter, so they walk more to get to class. But after graduation, what is there? The average non athlete does not have many chances to exercise. <BR>The typical Atlanta resident spends much of his or her leisure time in traffic. <BR>We even ride on the golf course -- walking is often forbidden because it slows up play. If a resident of Cobb county wanted to play tennis, what are the options? He or she can join an expensive club or wait for a long time for the few public facilities that are available. <BR>

SusanP

Interesting points about physical activity and public transportation in Europe vs. long auto commutes in the U.S. My two cents worth: <BR> <BR>As a college student I had no car and rode my bicycle to class (and everywhere else) every day. I ate whatever I wanted and never gained a pound -- I was very trim! However, I can't count the number of times I was catcalled, threatened and assaulted as I cycled to and from campus (about a two mile trip). Men in vans drove up alongside me as I cycled and tried to entice me inside; men on the sidewalk lunged and grabbed at me, and one time a Jeep full of frat boys drove up alongside me and pushed me off my bike! Do I still cycle today? Not on the public streets -- only in the mountains. <BR> <BR>I never experienced this kind of violence or hostility (or fright) in Europe. And today I prefer the safety and security of my car, even if going to the local store. And yes, I've gained weight! Better to be a little heavy than another crime statistic, in my opinion.

Anna

My husband and I discussed this same matter when we were on our trip to Switzerland where we saw one obese person in two weeks. Yes there were people carrying a little extra weight around, but only one very large woman. We had the chance to discuss this with a Swiss couple we had dinner with. The consensus was that the fast food, soda, and junk food all over in the US has a lot to do with it. For example, my grocery store has an entire aisle (both sides) of potato chips and the like, the stores we visited in Switzerland maybe had 3 feet of chips. They also don't drink the soda there like we do here. They also seem to do more walking than we do, perhaps if the US raised their gas prices to mirror those of Europe we would have people walking, riding bikes, and using public transportation more. In the end, this would lead to healthier citizens! <BR> <BR>One other note, we rarely saw chicken on the menu in Switzerland - mostly veal. Even their "fitness plate" was grilled veal.

Jo

In reference to Susan's post two above - is it really that bad in the States? I do not blame anybody for not wanting to travel by bicycle if thats what happens. Is it just certain places or is it all over?

Michele

My Mom and I were in Paris for 2 weeks in May and noticed that most of the people (other than the tourists) were quite slim. I think that the French especially, seem to be smaller boned to begin with than most Americans, but I do agree that how they eat and the walking have something to do with it as well. I noticed that they have MUCH SMALLER portions than we do in the U.S. and they savor every moment of the meal and make it an "event", not rushed through in between doing ten other things! They really relax and enjoy themselves while dining and it was nice to see and do while there. I always lose weight on European vacations and I think a lot of it has to do with walking everywhere and enjoying the relaxing eating <BR>experiences! I have been trying to follow that French experience of dining and walking here and I must say that it really makes a difference and it helps the digestion a lot when you don't rush your meals! Also, many Parisians smoke and drink wine and that curbs the appetite too, so that might be another reason they are slim. Other than the smoking, their lifestyle is something worthy of copying and enjoying. <BR>

Bonnie

American roads were not built with bikers in mind. I think Americans are in such a hurry to get where they're going, they have no time for bikers and are very hostile to them for the most part. <BR> <BR>Another interesting note: On the "fat thread" that caused such controversy for weeks, some people did not want to admit Americans cause their own weight problems; on this thread, everyone is saying "Yes, it's that soda, chips & ice cream." Interesting!

dan woodlief

Some American communities are very biker friendly - Madison, WI, for example, where I lived for several years (but watch out for the buses). However, most of the country is not at all that way. Cars rule the roads, and here in North Carolina there have been protests by bikers in the past couple of years because of the treatment they receive from motorists. I remember when I was about twenty, a friend and I decided to ride bikes around town one night instead of the car. All the friends we ran into thought we were odd. I also tend to walk a lot here, but it is unusual for most. The typical American will drive around a parking lot for five minutes, or sit and wait for another car to leave a space for even longer, rather than just park a little farther away and walk. Often I have gone around cars sitting like this, parked a little farther from the store, and walked to the store, by the time they get a parking space. It is humourous and frustrating at the same time.

elvira

We were staying in the Old Ville in Nice; we sat outside one morning for our breakfast and watched an elderly woman walk DOWN the cobblestone hill to the bakery, walk BACK UP the hill with her morning baguette. She apparently had done this every morning for her whole life, and she had legs that any runner would give their soul for! If you walk to get your breakfast food, walk to get your lunch food, then walk to get your dinner food...hmmm. How many Americans stroll after dinner? Whether in France or Spain or Italy, people walk after dinner (benefit of exercise, quiet time with your partner/family, being part of a community). At lunch, people seem to use the parks for their hour lunch break, even if it's just sitting in the sun. <BR>Europeans don't seem to fear food like Americans do. They put a pat of butter on their slice of bread; Americans smear Promise on a bran muffin. Europeans put whole milk in their morning coffee; Americans put chemical coffeemate in coffee all day long. We've dulled our tastebuds to the point where quantity is the only thing that satisfies us. We deny ourselves "bad" food, then make up for the loss by eating twice as much prepackaged, deflavored, defatted styrofoam. No wonder we flock to McDonald's...lots of salt and fat we've denied ourselves, all in one hit. First, eggs are good for us. Then they're bad. Then they're good. Then they're bad. Coffee causes breast lumps, then it doesn't. Cyclamates are a good substitute for sugar. Then they cause cancer. Now they don't. Americans are so afraid of food that I firmly believe the food is fighting back! <BR>The observation that there's no "all you can eat" is astute; Americans advertise "1 1/2 pounds of T-bone" and the restaurant is packed with heart-attacks- on-feet. No mention of quality or taste. Nope, just BIG. "Man, that prime rib was so big it hung off my plate". THAT'S a recommendation! <BR>I've never walked away from a restaurant in Europe feeling unsatisfied, nor have I ever been "stuffed". Can't say the same here in the U.S.

meg.

we have tons of fast food places, and they're inexpensive...in europe, they're expensive. They eat at home mostly..and they get more exercise. Where as we dont. I think its the exercise mostly because they love their sweets!! I've never seen a group of people eat more chocolate/scones/pastries!!! lol.

cp

I really think its the walking. I lost weight when living in Spain despite drinking between a quart and half gallon of beer almost every night. That is NOT low cal. <BR>Interestingly, there are fewer heavy people here in San Francisco proper. Many of the residents don't have cars, or are unwilling to give up a good parking space. They walk! However, venture into the outlying 'burbs and the physiques bulge right out.

Robin

Better eating habits and unquestionably, the walking. I find it ironic that when I visit Italy and indulge in a daily gelato break (after all, I am on vacation), I still manage to lose a few pounds due to all the walking. Now granted, as a tourist, you may be on the go for more hours than if you lived & worked there, but still the Europeans use good old fashioned two-legged transport much more than most Americans.

Erin

I honestly think that Americans are bigger boned and taller than Europeans. Perhaps it has do with the genetic mix of different races and ethnicities that has contributed to this. I'm African-American (with some Irish and Native American ancestry) and the average height in my family among the women is about 5"8. Even by American standards we are considered tall. When I travel to Europe with my mother (5"10) we are towering over everyone. We both exercise regularly and we are still bigger than most European women.

Craig

Erin, come to the Netherlands and see up people's nostrils...I don't know anyone under 6' tall. <BR> <BR>As far as weight. What you eat doesn't stay in the original form after you eat it (fat on plate doesn't equal fat on thighs). <BR>If you eat any form of sugar you are telling your body "I need energy now to do some work; start cooking"! If you don't do anything after eating sugars your body stores all of those work calories as fat for conversion to energy. Sugars are ANY form of carbohydrate - sugar, honey, fructose, wheat, bread, rice, potatoes, carrots, cereal, etc... <BR>If you don't turn on your fat maker (sugars) you won't get fat. Long distance runners eat themselves full of carbs before a marathon. Imagine a marathon worth of fat in your belly. <BR>Eat a variety, cut down on sweets, walk around alot and drink water instead of soda pop. You too will have the svelt European physique.

elaine

<BR>I thought I would add one comment. I think it might be too easy to point to just one or two factors and nail those as the culprits. I'm sure this is a very sensitive issue for many people, especially those who fight their weight issues all the time. If science had the answer, there would be one diet plan that would work for everyone, and that's not the case. Yes, there are those who have given up the fight entirely, which is unfortunate. And there are those Americans who live on hamburgers, fries and chips. <BR>As commented on above, the proliferation <BR>of pastry shops, gelaterias, afternoon tea breaks, etc in Europe would seem to indicate that we can't blame it on American sweets or calories alone. Yes I certainly think that exercise is a factor, especially since when I go on vacation I personally tend to lose a few pounds, not gain despite the gelato, due no doubt to the continual walking.But that's me. However science is showing us that a tendency toward a weight problem can be very much inherited, and metabolism issues, appetitite control,fat and carbo processing, <BR>and other bodily mechanisms have a strong biochemical factor--it's not just a matter of willpower for many many people. And given that many physical factors are inherited, it's not surprising that people who swim in the same gene pool inherit many of the same body characteristics, generally speaking.So the average American is taller than the average Chinese person, and many Americans are overweight, again, in general. Interesting that one of the major news magazines, I forget which, has a cover story this week on American kids being "sports crazy". Maybe that will translate into a trimmer next generation.

jayne

This has been a topic of conversation around my office for the last several months; now that my family and I are hosting some French visitors, it's come up again. Yes, it certainly seems true, as other posters have pointed out, that many Europeans walk a lot and eat less junk. But maybe it's just because I live in a very health-conscious part of the country, but everyone I know excecises A LOT (not just casual walking, but running and regular work-out programs)and is extremely careful about their diet (limited meat, fat, sugar). Well, we're still not as skinny as most French people we meet of our age (middle) and it seems like we're working harder at it. I have to agree somewhat with the argument for genetic susceptibility for weight gain. Since I watch what I eat and exercise, I'm not quite as heavy as my mother was at my age, but I've still gained 20 pounds since i was in my twenties. That doesn't mean of course that we should just be fatalistic and not try to adapt better attitudes toward food, excecise and life in general, but I think we have to be realistic too.