In history, obesity has been a symbol of wealth, especially in the Tang Dynasty of Chinese history, where people considered obesity beautiful. In the past, many people struggled with food and clothing, being thin was seen as a sign of poverty. Nowadays, people are realizing the importance of health, understanding that obesity doesn’t necessarily improve health but can cause harm to the body.
In recent years, living standards have increased, with significant improvements in diet and more emphasis on enjoying life. Interestingly, there’s a change in trends where many wealthier individuals are becoming leaner and healthier, while poorer people are becoming more unhealthy. This trend is evident in developed countries and is gradually emerging in China too.
Many people wonder why there’s this trend. Studies show a correlation between obesity and education level. People with higher education are less likely to become obese as they value health more and understand the negative impact of obesity, whereas less educated individuals might neglect their health and avoid exercise, leading to weight gain.
Economically affluent individuals not only tend to be leaner but also have longer lifespans. Hong Kong, known for longevity, surpasses even Japan in life expectancy. The affluent lifestyle in these regions focuses on health and wellness, coupled with advanced healthcare facilities, contributing to longer lifespans. This raises the question of why poorer individuals tend to become overweight more easily.
In foreign countries, and to some extent in China, cheaper foods are often high in calories, making it difficult for poorer individuals to maintain a balanced diet. Many cheap foods lead to weight gain as they are energy-dense. Additionally, due to lack of time and resources, poorer individuals engage in less physical activity, leading to slow metabolism, poor health, weight gain, and potential health issues.
