Japan and obesity: A "cure" for the overweight epidemic?

While obesity is one of the most pressing health crises in the US and Europe, Japan is at the opposite end of the spectrum. While 42% of the population in America is obese, in Japan it is just 4.5% of the population. How is this possible? And what can we learn from the Japanese?

💡 A drug that almost no one needs in Japan

In 2023, Japan approved Wegovy's obesity drug. There is huge interest in this drug around the world - it has literally become a hit in the US and Europe. But in Japan itself? Interest is minimal.

Why? Because the Japanese have a prevention system that works. It's not genetics, but culture, diet, and access to exercise.

🍽️ Japanese Diet: The Secret to Slimness

The Japanese eat differently than the rest of the world. How?

🌟 Minimalism in food – Japanese cuisine does not try to overpower the flavors with heavy sauces or fried food. Strict preparation rules preserve the natural flavor and quality of the ingredients.

🌟 Small portions, but varied composition – The so-called “triangular eating” method means that a meal consists of different types of foods in small portions. Sometimes it contains as many as 10 different ingredients!

🌟 The 80 % Satiety Rule – The Japanese believe that the healthiest thing is not to eat until you are full, but only until you are 80 %. This helps with weight control and reducing calorie intake.

🌟 Traditional foods support longevity – The Japanese diet consists of fish, seaweed, fermented vegetables, rice, and high-quality proteins. All of these foods contribute to a healthy metabolism and longevity.

🚬 Smoking: Another factor affecting health

Although Japan excels in obesity prevention, it has one major health challenge: high smoking rates. Over 30% of men and 10% of women smoke regularly, one of the highest rates in developed countries.

How to help people quit smoking?

1/Nicotine therapy – Japan invests in education about health risks and supports nicotine replacement therapies.

2/ Strict regulation of cigarette advertising – advertisements for tobacco products are heavily restricted.

3/Smoking in public is regulated – in many cities, smoking is prohibited or special zones are designated.

🌟 Conclusion: What can we learn from Japan?

Japan proves that obesity is primarily a cultural, not a genetic, problem. Food, exercise, and nutrition are part of everyday life, not something to be addressed only when there are problems.

A similar approach can be taken to smoking – prevention, education and regulation can have a huge impact on population health.

What about you? What do you take away from the Japanese lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! 🚀💪