Mediterraneans getting fatter?

[Grenadier]

A NPR article that all of us, conservative or liberal, authoritarian or libertarian, can enjoy reading (not because of the plight, though):

http://www.npr.org/2011/07/14/137823222/mediterraneans-abandon-their-famous-diet

It's not news that Americans are getting fatter and fatter, and the same is happening in many countries around the world. What may come as a bit of a surprise is that it's even happening in Mediterranean countries, especially among young people.
When Keys first came to Italy with the U.S. Army during World War II — his name is the K in the Army's emergency K-rations — he was struck by the low rate of heart disease he saw among poor people in Italy, compared to well-fed northern Europe and America. The traditional Mediterranean diet is more than just tasty — it's actually good for you.

But the Italians who gave Keys his insights into the Mediterranean diet have vanished. Italy now tips the scales as the fat man of Europe; maybe 36 percent of 12- to 16-year-olds are overweight or obese, according to Pietrobelli.

Not entirely surprising, since when food prices go up, people tend to get fatter because of the emphasis on purchasing cheaper food, primarily cheap carbohydrates.

The article does, however, also mention that it's also due to a more sedentary populace, especially amongst the younger ones.

 

[granfire]

A NPR article that all of us, conservative or liberal, authoritarian or libertarian, can enjoy reading (not because of the plight, though):

http://www.npr.org/2011/07/14/137823222/mediterraneans-abandon-their-famous-diet




Not entirely surprising, since when food prices go up, people tend to get fatter because of the emphasis on purchasing cheaper food, primarily cheap carbohydrates.

The article does, however, also mention that it's also due to a more sedentary populace, especially amongst the younger ones.

and the king and his golden arches are everywhere. (fat is cheap, too...and salt)