Did you know that living in a free market economy could be making you gain weight? Bizarre as it may sound, researchers at the University of Michigan have found a strong connection between market economies and obesity rates.
Fast Food and Free Markets: A dangerous connection
The study discovered that countries with a higher density of fast food restaurants per capita tend to have much higher obesity rates compared to countries with a lower density of fast food restaurants per capita. Countries with strong economies, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, tend to have a higher number of fast food establishments in comparison to countries like Japan and Norway, which have more regulated and restrictive trade policies.
Let’s take a closer look at how obesity rates differ between the two groups of countries. In the United States, researchers reported 7.52 fast food restaurants per 100,000 people, whereas in Japan, there were only 0.13 fast food restaurants per 100,000 people. When it comes to obesity rates, the US sees 31.3% of men and 33.2% of women being obese, far outstripping Japan where it’s 2.9% of men and 3.3% of women who suffer from obesity.
The Globalization of Obesity
But why would globalization and free markets lead to higher obesity rates?
The answer lies in the inherent nature of free markets, which encourage businesses to compete intensely for customers’ attention and wallets. Fast food establishments often achieve this through offering larger portion sizes, lower prices, and more calorie-dense meals—all of which contribute to weight gain among consumers.
Roberto De Vogli, associate professor in the University of Michigan School of Public Health, points out, “It’s not by chance that countries with the highest obesity rates and fast food restaurants are those in the forefront of (globalized markets)… Since the 1980s, since the advent of trade liberalization policies that have indirectly… promoted transnational food companies… we see rates that have tripled or quadrupled.”
This surge in obesity rates cannot be solely attributed to biological, genetic, psychological, or community-level factors. It’s evident that a global change, driven by market forces, is behind this phenomenal increase.
More Than Just a Personal Problem
Healthcare costs for obesity-related conditions are skyrocketing, due in large part to the proliferation of fast food culture in developed countries. The CDC estimates that the healthcare cost of obesity in the United States was $147 billion in 2008 alone.
Furthermore, obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer, have also seen an increase in prevalence and cost, making it critical for policymakers to address the influence of market economies on public health.
How Can We Combat the Spread of Fast Food Culture?
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Educate:
Promoting awareness about healthy eating habits is paramount. Schools and community organizations can teach children about proper nutrition and portion control, while public health campaigns can disseminate similar information among adults. -
Regulate:
Governments can consider regulating the fast food industry to prevent the proliferation of unhealthy food options. This could include measures such as imposing taxes on unhealthy food items, setting strict nutritional standards, and reducing the number of fast food establishments located in residential areas. -
Encourage:
Local governments can encourage healthy eating habits by providing incentives for farmers’ markets, community gardens, and traditional grocery stores to set up shop in low-income or otherwise underserved neighborhoods. This would make it easier for individuals to choose healthier food options, rather than resorting to low-cost, high-calorie fast food. -
Support:
Lastly, businesses can support employees’ well-being by offering healthier food options in their cafeterias, providing access to fitness facilities, and organizing initiatives such as weight management programs and wellness seminars.
