{"id":3018,"date":"2025-03-13T07:56:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T07:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/velkeholky.org\/?p=3018"},"modified":"2026-01-06T12:48:35","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T12:48:35","slug":"japonsko-a-obezita-jak-jedna-zeme-nasla-lek-na-epidemii-nadvahy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/velkeholky.org\/en\/japonsko-a-obezita-jak-jedna-zeme-nasla-lek-na-epidemii-nadvahy\/","title":{"rendered":"Why doesn't anyone in Japan want weight loss pills? 4 rules of being thin that we ignore in Europe."},"content":{"rendered":"

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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A medicine that almost no one needs in Japan\ud83d\udca1 <\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

\"Elegantn\u00ed<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Japanese diet: The secret to slimness\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f <\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Japanese eat differently than the rest of the world. How?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf1f Minimalism in food<\/a> \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf1f Small portions, but varied composition \u2013 The so-called \u201ctriangular eating\u201d method means that a meal consists of different types of foods in small portions. Sometimes it contains as many as 10 different ingredients!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf1f The 80 % Satiety Rule \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf1f Traditional foods support longevity \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smoking: Another factor affecting health\ud83d\udeac <\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to help people quit smoking?<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

1\/Nicotine therapy \u2013 Japan invests in education about health risks and supports nicotine replacement therapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2\/ Strict regulation of cigarette advertising \u2013 advertisements for tobacco products are heavily restricted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3\/Smoking in public is regulated \u2013 in many cities, smoking is prohibited or special zones are designated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Conclusion: What can we learn from Japan?\ud83c\udf1f <\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A similar approach can be taken to smoking \u2013 prevention, education and regulation can have a huge impact on population health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What about you? What can you take away from the Japanese lifestyle?<\/a> Let us know in the comments! \ud83d\ude80\ud83d\udcaa<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Blue Zones: The Secret to a Long and Healthy Life \ud83c\udf1f<\/a><\/blockquote>