Korea has a similar lack of obesity. It's not just genetics because Koreans tend to become overweight when living in the US.
I think it comes down to two major factors:
1. Koreans tend to walk (exercise) more. Walk (partway) during commute, walk to lunch, walk to do errands, etc. In the US people just sit in their cars. I personally find I get 3000+ daily steps in Korea without even trying, while in the US I only get about 300 daily steps or so.
2. Diet + portions. My Korean friend was astounded by the amount of fries that came with every meal in the USA and Canada. The US is the only place where fructose is substituted for sugar in most processed food. I've heard fructose inhibits the sense of satiation after eating.
So walkable cities and better food options would probably reduce US obesity.
I think it comes down to two major factors:
1. Koreans tend to walk (exercise) more. Walk (partway) during commute, walk to lunch, walk to do errands, etc. In the US people just sit in their cars. I personally find I get 3000+ daily steps in Korea without even trying, while in the US I only get about 300 daily steps or so.
2. Diet + portions. My Korean friend was astounded by the amount of fries that came with every meal in the USA and Canada. The US is the only place where fructose is substituted for sugar in most processed food. I've heard fructose inhibits the sense of satiation after eating.
So walkable cities and better food options would probably reduce US obesity.