Contrary to popular myth that the French are exempt from obesity a recent study by a Caisse (health insurance provider) and the national institute for research into health matters concludes that about half the population is overweight, applying to both men and women.
Using Body Mass Indices for overweight (+25) and obesity (+30) the group being monitored - over 100000 - was 41% overweight and 18% obese amongst men, ie 59% over the limit. Amongst women the figures were better at 25% and 15% respectively, a total of 40%.
Also measured was "abdominal obesity", ie the waist measurement regardless of the other measures. For men a girth over 94cms and 80cms for women is considered obese. Over 40% of men and 48% of women fell into this definition.
Researchers considered that a little corpulence in men is seen as normal, whereas women felt more pressurised to keep slim, to explain why men are more likely to be overweight.
France has seen some slowing down in recent years of the increase in obesity, but the 60+ age group still presents most cases and a simple BMI is insufficient measure of likely good health.
In Europe it appears that Irish men are most likely to be obese and Swiss women least likely.
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