Avoiding the Obesity Trap
Bradley Schurman
Strategic Foresight // Demographic Change // Inclusive Design // Author of THE SUPER AGE: DECODING OUR DEMOGRAPHIC DESTINY (Harper Collins) // Founder and CEO of The Super Age // 40OverForty
Japan is one of the only developed countries that's avoided the obesity trap. According to the CDC, its adult obesity rate hovers around 3-4%, compared with over 40% in the United States. It also consistently ranks among the top nations for healthy life expectancy.
Japan's traditional diet is central to its success. It is characterized by staples such as rice, fish, vegetables, and tofu. This culinary tradition, rooted in balance and moderation, starkly contrasts the Western diet prevalent in the United States, which often features processed foods high in sugars and unhealthy fats, which are linked to increased risks of obesity and metabolic disorders.
Japan's dietary habits also translate into substantial healthcare savings. A comprehensive analysis published in the Journal of Health Economics estimated that Japan's lower obesity rates contribute to significant healthcare cost savings, with expenditures per capita substantially lower than the United States and lower rates of chronic diseases and age-related ailments.
This not only alleviates the burden on healthcare systems but fosters a healthier and more productive population in the long run.
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6 个月Japan is a model in so many ways.
Strategic Foresight // Demographic Change // Inclusive Design // Author of THE SUPER AGE: DECODING OUR DEMOGRAPHIC DESTINY (Harper Collins) // Founder and CEO of The Super Age // 40OverForty
6 个月https://time.com/6973208/sugar-america-transparency-essay/