Curious ... what do you think?

[alfreda89]

So -- the British are twice as healthy as Americans. Economic group doesn't seem to matter.

Theories, anyone? (Of course we can't reply to anything, LJ must be up to something.)

http://my.ev1.net/english/news/newsarticle.asp?articleID=50263912&subject=health

Comments

[tia-tarina.livejournal.com]

I can't decide if it's because you can open the door on a moving Brit Rail train without an alarm (or an automatic brake) going off or the fact that you're expected to walk, climb stairs, jump and possibly run to use public transportation. . .

[janni.livejournal.com]

- Less day to day walking and physical activity as part of the business of getting through one's day here. Going out and exercising is hard; is walking is what you do anyway to get to the subway or get to work or get the groceries, you're going to be in better shape. (Which begs the question of how, say, New Yorkers compare to Brits.)

- The fact that we add corn syrup to just about everything here.

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

I can't decide if it's because you can open the door on a moving Brit Rail train without an alarm (or an automatic brake) going off

Sounds like we need to keep our mysteries set in England. I know setting one on AirTran is a pain in the tush. AA watches you constantly. . . .

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

- The fact that we add corn syrup to just about everything here.

As someone who avoids it, I can attest to its being ubiquitous.

[mevennen.livejournal.com]

We walk more. Also portion sizes are a lot less over here. If I'm in the States, I quite often order the starter as a main course to avoid leaving food (I have quite a healthy appetite, as well).

However, we're catching up.

Tea?

[lindajdunn.livejournal.com]

It's the tea?

[grin]

Seriously, there are probably major lifestyle differences and I'd like to know if those studies were comparing rural to rural and urban to urban or had some other statistics that would give an indication to what lifestyle differences might contribute to better health.

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

If I'm in the States, I quite often order the starter as a main course to avoid leaving food (I have quite a healthy appetite, as well).

Yes, I used to do that all the time. Now, there's rarely an appetizer I can eat, with my food restrictions. In those cases, I order a steak MR and take the rest home for breakfast. W & I often order one entree and split it -- and still have food to take home!

We also walk when we can -- he used to run, until his knee problem. A mile and a half last night just to walk.

Re: Tea?

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

I do think that's part of it. I also think Brits walk more (see L's comment) and serve smaller portions. It all adds up. I remember my parents would go on walks in the evening, just to visit with neighbors on their porches, especially where the summer home is located. (L has said they are more of a wine-drinking people these days, and wine in moderation is also good for you.)

But I suspect we rule in chocolate. Euros prefer milk, I eat dark. It's my fountain of youth!

[incandragon.livejournal.com]

My guess is primarily exercise. It's funny, but having a smaller country will keep you walking more (you don't have to get in a car to go everywhere)

Although I did hear a theory about Americans gaining weight easily because we had an entire generation born into a famine, and that tweaks the genes. (Not to mention establishes a culture where food is god.)

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

Although I did hear a theory about Americans gaining weight easily because we had an entire generation born into a famine, and that tweaks the genes. (Not to mention establishes a culture where food is god.)

Not only the Irish, but many Eastern European immigrants came from places of scarce food to the "Land of Plenty". It's an interesting theory that probably has at least a kernel of truth to it.

In times of famine, fat people usually survive.