The World Cup starts today, and Earth Fare has soccer fever! To celebrate, Earth Fare is staging its own health showdown.
We’re pitting countries against each other to see where America ranks, not in soccer, but in HEALTH! We’re pairing up the USA to see exactly where we stand. Over the next few weeks, we’ll place America up against some soccer powerhouses (of course, we’ll be comparing health stats instead of soccer scores) including Finland, Germany, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Netherlands, Denmark, New Zealand and – of course! –Spain.
First up, we’ll be “weighing in” and comparing obesity rates with ENGLAND. The numbers are close! This may have to go to a shootout.
According to the World Health Organization, the USA and jolly old England are pretty well matched. 66.7% of the US population is obese, ranking us third highest, while the UK ranks tenth with an obesity rate of 66.1%.
The UK wins this match, but it sounds like Team USA still has a shot… What do you think?
The US has no shot. We have a different culture. Fast food is a way bigger part of American culture than it is anywhere alse.
Although the definition of obese has always confused me. At one point in college, I found out that I was technically obese. I thought it rather amussing. I was 6’1, 225lbs. I could bench press almost 300Lb, Squat 450lbs, and run a mile easily in under 7 minuets. But I was considered obese.
What other factors will be considered in this matter? Avg. lifespan? Smoking and drinking rates? Disease and immunization weights? I’d gladly take my “obesity” over beinging a smoker or drinker any day.