Health Care Hell

[Musburger1]

I just got back from a fourth of July parade. The obesity rate in Texas has to be at least 50% now.

 

[Mr. Deez]

I just got back from a fourth of July parade. The obesity rate in Texas has to be at least 50% now.

First, I'm surprised you go to a July 4 parade. Second, I think the rate is more like 30 percent. However, even non-obese people just seem bigger - a lot more people with pooches and muffin tops. Unfortunately, Europe is becoming more like the US. They're getting fatter.

 

[mchammer]

It's not "Western" as much as it's American. Also, these are actually two separate issues - lifestyle and diet. I see the contrast between how Americans and Europeans eat and live, and it's remarkable.

Junky fast food is everywhere in the US. You'll see some of that in Europe, but it's far less common. What you see more of is small cafes and food stands that serve food that's usually better quality and tastes better. I also notice less prepared frozen food in grocery stores. It exists, but it's less common. Furthermore, I don't see people buying it a lot. The crowded sections at the grocery stores seem to be the fresh meat areas and especially produce, which get a little crazy at times. That makes sense because the quality of European produce is much higher. It's easier to get people to eat fruits and vegetables when they actually taste good. Overall, the food seems less sugary (even sweets) but fattier (more cream, butter, and cheese) and sometimes saltier.

Their lifestyles are far less sedentary. Americans drive everywhere. Europeans walk and take public transportation far more often. I'm fact they walk for relaxation. When Americans get home from work, they flop in front of the TV and eat. When Germans get home from work, they work in their gardens for an hour, then eat (usually at a dinner table), and then go for a leisurely walk.

The key factor is free time. They have a lot more of it. That means they can sit down for a real lunch during the day rather than driving through a Wendy's and then scarfing down their food in their cars. They get home at 5 or 5:30 pm, not 7pm or 7:30 pm. That means they can actually prepare real food when they eat at home, and they can do something physical. It's not overly strenuous. In fact, I rarely hear about people hitting the gym and see far fewer people who are noticeably muscular. It's just something other than sitting on their asses.

More fat and salt, please.

 

[iatrogenic]

First, I'm surprised you go to a July 4 parade.

 

[Musburger1]

I thought I might see iatrogenic marching as a jack booted fascist and I would throw rotten tomatoes at him.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Best thing I have heard from Ted "no endorsement" Cruz in a long time. I sure hope this goes thru:

http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/340570-cruz-plan-could-be-key-to-unlocking-healthcare-votes