The number of obese people in Japan is very low compared to other countries, especially when compared to the United States of America, where over 40% of the adult population is considered obese. There are many hypotheses that attempt to explain the phenomenon of Japanese weight loss. From genetic factors to social motivations, all are possibilities that can be considered as the primary reason for such a result.
In this article, we will learn about the main theories and hypotheses regarding the causes of the leanness of the Japanese. This article does not seek to prescribe miracle diets, offer treatments, nor encourage prejudice against overweight individuals. The objective of this text is merely to elucidate and unveil the various theses regarding the subject, never taking sides or establishing an absolute truth. Our analysis will be based solely on information about the food culture of Japan and the social, economic, psychological, and historical variables that surround the topic.
Table of Contents
Hypothesis 1 – Physical Exercise and Walking
One of the most common hypotheses for the good physical shape of the Japanese people is the fact that many of them walk to their respective workplaces, instead of just commuting by car or subway. It is common to see streets and alleys crowded with people walking hurriedly. This characteristic of always walking may be one of the factors that lead to weight loss in the Japanese.
Hypothesis 2 – Type of Diet
Another widely spread hypothesis is that the choice of foods to be consumed (eating habits) directly influences individuals’ weight, considering that foods considered nutritious and good for the diet, such as fish, vegetables, seeds, soy products, and teas, when consumed frequently, tend to improve health and overall physical shape.
It is also a fact that many Japanese foods do not contain much sugar, as their palate is better suited to natural flavors. Unlike Brazil, where everything is excessively sweetened, in Japan, the palate of many people is not adapted to excess sugar.
In Okinawa, for example, life expectancy is considered very high, as the island has about 68 centenarians. However, the diet there is primarily based on carbohydrates, which contradicts most diet and quality of life manuals. To learn more about this unusual curiosity, read the BBC article by clicking the link next to: Carbohydrate, the unusual secret of the island with the highest life expectancy in the world – BBC News Brazil
Hypothesis 3 – Genetics of “Leanness”
A third possibility involves the genetic issue. It is known that the formation and origin of humanity presented various branches, due to alternative climate and territorial conditions.
This hypothesis speculates that something in Japanese DNA evolved in such a way as to maintain a more active metabolism, perhaps as a consequence of the glacial cold.
In this sense, perhaps the biological/evolutionary factor has indeed played an important role in this.
Hypothesis 4 – Social Pressure
Especially among women, there is social pressure to remain within a slender standard. General bullying and prejudice against overweight people in Japan is still, unfortunately, a very common problem. In society, people who are overweight are seen as careless.
Being a culture based on the collective, Orientals generally seek to fit within the homogeneous mass of individuals. When this does not happen, problems such as depression and suicide end up appearing.
Hypothesis 5 – Consumption of Thermogenics
Coffee, teas (such as green tea), ginger, and spicy foods are all considered thermogenics, meaning they increase body temperature and heart rate, eliminate fluids, and thus accelerate calorie burning.
Frequent consumers of coffee, green tea, and chili, Japanese people are (often unconsciously) burning calories even at rest, due to the intake of these beverages and foods. Evidently, this hypothesis is controversial, considering that in Brazil and the USA, coffee consumption, for example, is also high. In any case, it is a possible but quite controversial and debatable hypothesis.
Hypothesis 6 – Size of Plates and Portions
Lastly, there is also the thesis that because meals and snacks consist of smaller portions, total caloric intake decreases. Evidently, this does not apply to all Japanese, but due to the culture of “Mottainai”, that is, to avoid waste at all costs, they only put on the plate the necessary amount and what they will actually eat. In Brazil, there is a tendency to waste a lot of food, especially due to neglect in food preservation (which exceeds the expiration date and ends up being discarded). In Japan, however, the care with food preservation and preparation is a result of a culture that values every grain of rice.
The size of plates and the amount of portions for lunch or breakfast in Japan would generally be closer to a small Brazilian snack than to lunch itself. Due to the fact that many food products are imported from abroad (especially meats and fruits), some foods end up becoming more expensive and, consequently, make it unfeasible for customers to buy and consume in large quantities.
Read our article about food in Japan by clicking here!
Japanese Vocabulary about Physical Fitness
- やせる – Yaseru = To lose weight.
- 太る – Futoru = To gain weight.
- 太い – Futoi = Fat.
- 細い – Hosoi = Thin.
- ムキムキ – Mukimuki = Muscular.
- 筋肉 – Kinniku = Muscles.
- 強い – Tsuyoi = Strong.
- 弱い – Yowai = Weak.
- プロテイン – Purotein = Protein (usually refers to the supplement).
- 健康的 – Kenkouteki = Healthy.
- 健康にいい – Kenkou ni ii = Good for health.
- 健康に悪い – Kenkou ni warui = Bad for health.
- ウエスト – Uesuto = Waist (the measurements).
- 身体 – Karada = Body.
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