More Obesity Among Thais?

[thailandlover]

It seems I notice more and more obesity among Thais, mostly the younger generation. Seeing very fat small children is becoming more common and even fat teenagers. Yes, there also seems to be a corresponding change in height, but is it me or is obesity becoming far more prevalent?

[IanForbes]

I would guess it started happening since the beginning of fast food places. Lots of sweets and fatty foods in packages. Change of diet always affects people.

[JUDAS]

I too have noticed an increase in "chubby" Thai's in the last 10 years. Just goes to prove that not all western influences are positive as far as diet is concerned.

[Jingthing]

Yes, more fatties here. Yes, blame it on the farangs. That works!

The plus side (or should I say the plus size) is that larger sized clothes are much easier to find now.

Edited October 19, 2009 by Jingthing

[robblok]

I too have noticed an increase in "chubby" Thai's in the last 10 years. Just goes to prove that not all western influences are positive as far as diet is concerned.

Not so sure its western influences.. if you look at all the so called Thai food its filled with sugar. There are many stalls that are not western food but use too much sugar.

[bkkjames]

I too have noticed an increase in "chubby" Thai's in the last 10 years. Just goes to prove that not all western influences are positive as far as diet is concerned.

Not so sure its western influences.. if you look at all the so called Thai food its filled with sugar. There are many stalls that are not western food but use too much sugar.

Any moment now Mr.GO6 should show up with it's all down to Western Influence - and subliminal messages hidden inside of PS3 games to get young Thais to consume.

[JUDAS]

I too have noticed an increase in "chubby" Thai's in the last 10 years. Just goes to prove that not all western influences are positive as far as diet is concerned.

Not so sure its western influences.. if you look at all the so called Thai food its filled with sugar. There are many stalls that are not western food but use too much sugar.

I see the point you are making but I would assume that the traditional Thai diet has not changed greatly in 10 years whereas the availability of western fast food chains has increased dramatically. As an example, China's obesity rates have doubled in the last 10 years which suggests increased wealth and mobility ( use of cars ) etc plays a significant factor. According to the WHO the USA has the world's highest rate of obescity, around 30%, so does increased wealth equate to increased obescity?

[JUDAS]

Yes, more fatties here. Yes, blame it on the farangs. That works!

The plus side (or should I say the plus size) is that larger sized clothes are much easier to find now.

Sorry Jingthing. Farang can do no wrong, silly me.

[bkkjames]

I too have noticed an increase in "chubby" Thai's in the last 10 years. Just goes to prove that not all western influences are positive as far as diet is concerned.

Not so sure its western influences.. if you look at all the so called Thai food its filled with sugar. There are many stalls that are not western food but use too much sugar.

I see the point you are making but I would assume that the traditional Thai diet has not changed greatly in 10 years whereas the availability of western fast food chains has increased dramatically. As an example, China's obesity rates have doubled in the last 10 years which suggests increased wealth and mobility ( use of cars ) etc plays a significant factor. According to the WHO the USA has the world's highest rate of obescity, around 30%, so does increased wealth equate to increased obescity?

Good point, but don't forget it's not just what you eat, it's also how much you eat. I should know.

Edited October 19, 2009 by bkkjames

[Jingthing]

Yes, more fatties here. Yes, blame it on the farangs. That works!

The plus side (or should I say the plus size) is that larger sized clothes are much easier to find now.

Sorry Jingthing. Farang can do no wrong, silly me.

Au contraire, Judas, au contraire. There is no problem in Thai society which cannot properly be blamed on the farang ...

On a more serious note, isn't it part of Chinese culture (and there is a strong Chinese influence here) for the fat baby to represent the healthy baby? So families with the money available will feed their babies well, and that starts a vicious cycle as the fat child becomes the fat adult.

Edited October 19, 2009 by Jingthing

[JUDAS]

The word 'blame' is yours Jingthing. The term I used was "western influences" in regard to diet etc. Whatever....

[eek]

You could add in factors such as kids having more of their own disposable income via pocket money etc, and snacks are cheap. I dont think its really about the western influences/food (because those items are expensive). Thai stalls sell food at cheap prices, its easy to snack up on a few baht.

I also think that when most of the kids get leave high school they are slimming down again. Boys because of sports and things, girls because of pressure to be slim.

You may see some slightly chubbier school kids, but i think less so in the higher years at high school and Unis.

[robblok]

I too have noticed an increase in "chubby" Thai's in the last 10 years. Just goes to prove that not all western influences are positive as far as diet is concerned.

Not so sure its western influences.. if you look at all the so called Thai food its filled with sugar. There are many stalls that are not western food but use too much sugar.

Any moment now Mr.GO6 should show up with it's all down to Western Influence - and subliminal messages hidden inside of PS3 games to get young Thais to consume.

Im counting on his appearance here come on the guy is fun and sometimes partly right.

[eek]

Yes, more fatties here. Yes, blame it on the farangs. That works!

The plus side (or should I say the plus size) is that larger sized clothes are much easier to find now.

Sorry Jingthing. Farang can do no wrong, silly me.

Au contraire, Judas, au contraire. There is no problem in Thai society which cannot properly be blamed on the farang ...

On a more serious note, isn't it part of Chinese culture (and there is a strong Chinese influence here) for the fat baby to represent the healthy baby? So families with the money available will feed their babies well, and that starts a vicious cycle as the fat child becomes the fat adult.

I was thinking this too jingthing. That maybe families wish to show that their child is being loved, so do so with food. If you have money then your baby shouldnt be a thin baby kind of thinking. Anyway, as i said, i think most people generally balk at western prices. I think its more about buying cheap snacks at the market etc.

I notice maybe a few teenage kids in burger places, but i dont really notice people much doing the whole family thing and buying a lot. Same in places like swensons. I imagine its more about the venue, a cool place to hang out, chat, and share an ice cream or french fries, rather than eating a lot of food. Most of those kids i see are not chubby or overweight or anything.

[JUDAS]

You could add in factors such as kids having more of their own disposable income via pocket money etc, and snacks are cheap. I dont think its really about the western influences/food (because those items are expensive). Thai stalls sell food at cheap prices, its easy to snack up on a few baht.

I also think that when most of the kids get leave high school they are slimming down again. Boys because of sports and things, girls because of pressure to be slim.

You may see some slightly chubbier school kids, but i think less so in the higher years at high school and Unis.

Agreed. Disposable income is the major factor, though I would argue that the likes of McDonalds is no longer expensive for many Thai's as can be seen by McDonalds plans for another 13-15 new outlets next year, that's on top of the 17 new outlets this year. This increase in outlets comes at a time when tourist levels are down, so I can only assume it's more Thai's eating there.

[submaniac]

As a 'chubby' Thai I will add some thoughts here. Yes, Thais are getting chubbier. I think it is a result of eating more/more availability of Western foods in Thailand (Thai food actually has alot of vegetables in it), AND (and this is the kicker) more available transportation. Hear me out (and I have been thinking about this for a bit). When I was in Europe (Austria/Vienna) I noticed that everyone there was generally more thin than in the United States. Then I go around with the GF on and everyone there like, has to walk everywhere because its really just a hassle to have a car. (Okay you get on the train to your main location and walk the rest of the way). Now in the States I have a car, I go everywhere by car. I burn no calories. In Europe, you get exercise and gotta walk everywhere. Thailand, sort of the same thing. Before, everyone had to walk. Now, BTS, cheaper cars, cheaper bikes=less exercise and fatter Thais.

Edited October 19, 2009 by submaniac

[bkkjames]

As a 'chubby' Thai I will add some thoughts here. Yes, Thais are getting chubbier. I think it is a result of eating more/more availability of Western foods in Thailand (Thai food actually has alot of vegetables in it), AND (and this is the kicker) more available transportation. Hear me out (and I have been thinking about this for a bit). When I was in Europe (Austria/Vienna) I noticed that everyone there was generally more thin than in the United States. Then I go around with the GF on and everyone there like, has to walk everywhere because its really just a hassle to have a car. (Okay you get on the train to your main location and walk the rest of the way). Now in the States I have a car, I go everywhere by car. I burn no calories. In Europe, you get exercise and gotta walk everywhere. Thailand, sort of the same thing. Before, everyone had to walk. Now, BTS, cheaper cars, cheaper bikes=less exercise and fatter Thais.

The thing I noticed about the US in general was the size of meals. They even have things like a diet triple whopper with cheese nowadays to make you feel less guilty about consuming 4000 calories in one meal.

Here, it's down to potato chips and fa(s)t food and as you say, sitting on one's ass lifestyle. I don't agree with the skytrain inference though - you can't tell me those who take it now (and over the last ten years), walked previously to their offices / schools. One could argue they get more exercise now walking up the stairs / platforms than sitting on a bus.

(reason for edit, can't type today)

Edited October 19, 2009 by bkkjames

[robblok]

The thing I noticed about the US in general was the size of meals. They even have things like a diet triple whopper with cheese nowadays to make you feel less guilty about consuming 4000 calories in one meal.

Here, it's down to potato chips and fa(s)t food and as you say, sitting on one's ass lifestyle. I don't agree with the skytrain inference though - you can't tell me those who take it now (and over the last ten years), walked previously to their offices / schools. One could argue they get more exercise now walking up the stairs / platforms than sitting on a bus.

(reason for edit, can't type today)

4000 calories in one meal.. wow.. that is more than the average guy needs in a whole day.

[LennyW]

Thousands of internet shops with schoolkids sitting on their <deleted> playing games instead of outside playing football or any other energetic games could have something to do with it??

[IanForbes]

In an island off Japan the elderly used to live well into their nineties and very often over 100 years of age. Then, after the second world war the American army added an airforce base and introduced the fast food joints that are popular in the USA today. Within 20 years the sons and daughters of the elderly started gaining weight, as did their grand children and great grand children. Now it's quite common for grandma to outlive their offspring.

[robblok]

In an island off Japan the elderly used to live well into their nineties and very often over 100 years of age. Then, after the second world war the American army added an airforce base and introduced the fast food joints that are popular in the USA today. Within 20 years the sons and daughters of the elderly started gaining weight, as did their grand children and great grand children. Now it's quite common for grandma to outlive their offspring.

Good blame the Yanks.. (not the people who put the food in their mouth)

[eek]

Im not sure if i wouId want to Iive Ionger, but not experience the deIights of chocoIate or ice cream and things! I guess the key is education. Teaching that some junk food and sweets are ok, just in moderation.

[sbk]

No fast food at all where I live, and we still have fat kids, fat young adults and fat adults.

I think a much higher disposable income along with a prevailing attitude that to be fat is to show wealth and health. My MIL was quite worried I was ill because I was "too thin". I think it has more to do with parents having the money to allow kids to stuff their faces, encouraging them to stuff their faces and kids sitting around watching tv and playing video games instead.

[WaiWai]

General reasons:

"Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with more than 1 billion adults overweight - at least 300 million of them clinically obese - and is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic disease and disability. Often coexisting in developing countries with under-nutrition, obesity is a complex condition, with serious social and psychological dimensions, affecting virtually all ages and socioeconomic groups.

Increased consumption of more energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods with high levels of sugar and saturated fats, combined with reduced physical activity, have led to obesity rates that have risen three-fold or more since 1980 in some areas of North America, the United Kingdom, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific Islands, Australasia and China.The obesity epidemic is not restricted to industrialized societies; this increase is often faster in developing countries than in the developed world."

"Why is this happening?

The rising epidemic reflects the profound changes in society and in behavioural patterns of communities over recent decades. While genes are important in determining a person's susceptibility to weight gain, energy balance is determined by calorie intake and physical activity. Thus societal changes and worldwide nutrition transition are driving the obesity epidemic. Economic growth, modernization, urbanization and globalization of food markets are just some of the forces thought to underlie the epidemic.

As incomes rise and populations become more urban, diets high in complex arbohydrates give way to more varied diets with a higher proportion of fats, saturated fats and sugars. At the same time, large shifts towards less physically demanding work have been observed worldwide. Moves towards less physical activity are also found in the increasing use of automated transport, technology in the home, and more passive leisure pursuits."

http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/pu...cts/obesity/en/

Thailand in particular:

http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=cac...dSgdw&pli=1

[barrybankruad]

As a 'chubby' Thai I will add some thoughts here. Yes, Thais are getting chubbier. I think it is a result of eating more/more availability of Western foods in Thailand (Thai food actually has alot of vegetables in it), AND (and this is the kicker) more available transportation. Hear me out (and I have been thinking about this for a bit). When I was in Europe (Austria/Vienna) I noticed that everyone there was generally more thin than in the United States. Then I go around with the GF on and everyone there like, has to walk everywhere because its really just a hassle to have a car. (Okay you get on the train to your main location and walk the rest of the way). Now in the States I have a car, I go everywhere by car. I burn no calories. In Europe, you get exercise and gotta walk everywhere. Thailand, sort of the same thing. Before, everyone had to walk. Now, BTS, cheaper cars, cheaper bikes=less exercise and fatter Thais.

Good post I thought Submaniac. I think ther is no doubt that Thai children are getting fatter. It is said that per capita Thais consume more sugar than any other country. Another thing that I have noticed over the years is that the teeth of young Thai children are getting progressively worse. Heaven forbid that within a few years the "land of Smiles" should become the "Land of Gums!

[lovelomsak]

I live in a small city sort of northeast not quite isaan. A vast amount of the women are robust. The slim ones come from the mountain villages were I live, and their diet is mostly vegetables and rice., they cannot afford more. They walk everywhere also.

But the small city where I live everyone drives to where they need to go. 10 year old kids ride motorcycles everywhere never walk. Only old women still ride bicycles.The kids ride to the internet shop and sit on computers all day.Our first fast food a kfc came here 5 months ago. But obesity is on the increase I see it as too much snacking no exercise, a sedentary life same as rest of the world.

[bonobo]

In an island off Japan the elderly used to live well into their nineties and very often over 100 years of age. Then, after the second world war the American army added an airforce base and introduced the fast food joints that are popular in the USA today. Within 20 years the sons and daughters of the elderly started gaining weight, as did their grand children and great grand children. Now it's quite common for grandma to outlive their offspring.

Well, the only US Air Force base on a Japanese island is on Okinawa.  And no, the US "Army" (Air Force and Marines are on Oki) did not introduce fast food there.  Heck, fast food was not even in the US until the 50's.

Up until the 1980's there were essentially no fast food joints on Okinawa.  There were some western snack bars on base, but those were not available to the Japanese public.  (There was a cholesterol busting hamburger with a fried egg and four strips of bacon at the Awase Meadows Golf Course snack shop, but once again, it was not open to the Japanese public.)

In the 1971's, a Japanese businessman named Den Fujita convinced McDonalds to give him the rights for Japan.  No one thought he would succeed, but he went way beyond expectations.  The first McDonald's on Okinawa opened in the mid 80's to much anticipation, and other western and Japanese fast food outlets started springing up then as well.  

So it was not the US Army which brought fast food to Okinawa, but rather a Japanese businessman.  And it was not until the 80's that this happened.  So the facts of this story are just not correct, and so to me, this is more of an urban legend-type assertion.

[PhilHarries]

No fast food at all where I live, and we still have fat kids, fat young adults and fat adults.

I think a much higher disposable income along with a prevailing attitude that to be fat is to show wealth and health. My MIL was quite worried I was ill because I was "too thin". I think it has more to do with parents having the money to allow kids to stuff their faces, encouraging them to stuff their faces and kids sitting around watching tv and playing video games instead.

When I went to Quang Ngai province in central Viet Nam I was very surprised at the number of quite chubby Vietnamese and there are NO American, or any other nationality, fast food outlets there at all. This part of VN is one of the poorest provinces which is why the government is investing in the Dung Quat industrial zone so it doesn't apprear to be an excess of disposable income. Very few internet cafes so can't blame them either. The diet is predominantly rice with vegetables and a little meat or fish flavouring although the heo rung (wild "boar") is more fat than meat (bluddy delicious though ).

What spare cash they do have seems to get spent on motorbikes and televisions and nobody walks any significant distance so I hazard a guess that lack of exercise is most likely the major factor. Within limits you can eat as much as you like as long as you exercise sufficient to burn off the calories.

[DP25]

Don't think it has anything to do with Western fast food. The amount consumed by the average person is not enough to explain it. Virtually no one eats at McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC, etc 3 times a day like some obese people do in the US. People just have a lot more disposable income and are more likely to have sedentary jobs and lifestyles as compared to the past.

[IanForbes]

Thanks for correcting me, bonobo. My information came from a television documentary and I was only able to watch a portion of it. Yes, it was Okinawa. But, the facts remain that the elderly are out-living their offspring, primarily due to change in diet and lack of exercise. The modern diets have changed from primarily fish products to fast foods with sugar and fat added.