Published in Social Sciences & Medicine, researchers reviewed data from 51 countries to assess reasons why there are such wide (no pun intended) variations in global obesity rates. While economic prosperity plays an important role by providing more food and more conveniences, thus increasing laziness, some countries that are less economically privileged (i.e Egypt and Mexico) also have high levels of obesity than other wealthy ones (i.e Singapore, Japan, South Korea).
They found that countries that valued frugality, discipline, self-control, and delaying gratification were slimmer all-around has these values helped with behaviors that lead to healthier weight.
On the other hand, cultures that favored “individualism”, countries that are unreasonably stubborn about personal independence and choice, had significantly fatter men. Unfortunately for these countries, cultural acceptance of fat as normal is driving up morbidity and healthcare costs.
While the study acknowledge factors of genetics and diet, national attitude and culture is ultimately what makes people make fat people behavioral choices.
While there is nothing wrong with freedom, individualism, or giving people choice, and if anything, those are ideal values we should trust people with, American’s stupid values of “I can do whatever I want without consequences” is likely the problem here and skyrocketing obesity rates is ultimately going to be a national security risk. Not only money being wasted on palliating medical conditions that are easily preventable, but slowing moving, lazy citizens do not make for a good productive country.
Ultimately there is no freedom if we are slaves to our bad behaviors. So while freedom and individualism should be protected values, responsible and honorable practice of these values via restraint, discipline, and self-control is what Americans and other “individualistic” countries are lacking and such values needs to come before freedom and individualism.
Ultimately, restraint and discipline is the road to sovereignty.
P Akaliyski et al. The weight of culture: societal individualism and flexibility explain large global variations in obesity. Social Science & Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115167
