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US is the 9th heaviest nation

February 17, 2008 in Obesity by Allen | No comments

A recent study lists the United States as having the 9th highest percentage of people who are overweight or obese.

Yep, according to the authors of this study, 74.1% of the U.S. population is overweight or obese.

Here are the countries who were listed higher: Nauru (94.5%), Federated States of Micronesia (91.1%), Cook Islands (90.9%), Tonga (90.8%), Niue (81.7%), Samoa (80.4%), Palau (78.4%), Kuwait (74.2%).

When I first heard we were 9th, I didn’t think that sounded so bad. But, then I saw this list. Niue, Palau, Nauru — I didn’t even know these countries existed!

But what about our peer countries?
* Japan — 22.6%
* China — 28.9%
* France — 40.1%
* Germany — 60.1%
* Canada — 61.1%
* United Kingdom — 63.8%

Once I saw this list, being 9th doesn’t look so good — does it?

Allen Oelschlaeger
Author of Finally, the Straight Scoop About Weight, Nutrition, and Fitness

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