In Egypt, 40% of the population is estimated to live on $2 a day or less. And yet, according to World Health Organization statistics, over 75% of Egyptian women are overweight and 48% are obese. THIS article in the Los Angeles Times analyzes these seemingly inconsistent numbers.
A big part of the problem is widespread availability of cheap processed foods, full of trans fats, salt, and sugar. But another part of the problem is a general lack of exercise. And a third problem is that sugar is one of the staple foods which the Egyptian government heavily subsidizes.
I thought this article was even more interesting in light of the new UC Davis study whose results have called into question the commonly assumed link between lower-income obesity and fast food. You can read more about it HERE. It turns out that middle class Americans make the most visits to fast food restaurants.
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