Guess what the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia have in common?

[^_^ 5,021]

Well, I'm definitely not biased. I can't stand generalizations about certain groups of people, and being a YANK in the UK, I hear them all about Americans. Gun toting, burger gulping, crass, loud, obnoxious, fat, conceited, ignorant Americans. You name it, I've heard it here. I'm just calling it how I see it. There are sidewalks EVERYWHERE, and lovely footpaths and trails all over here. Hubby and I went for a stroll around the village last night after tea, stopped into the pub for a pint, and continued walking home and we must have passed half our neighbours doing the same. Kids were all outside playing football, riding bikes. I honestly think the weather is so terrible here, that when the sun is out everyone here is just drawn outside, because when the weather is good here, its WONDERFUL.

And despite all that, their physical inactivity metrics are through the roof.

Could it be that all the liberal feel good money spending programs in the world can't change basic human behavior?

Is it possible?

[rocks 494]

Well, I'm definitely not biased. I can't stand generalizations about certain groups of people, and being a YANK in the UK, I hear them all about Americans. Gun toting, burger gulping, crass, loud, obnoxious, fat, conceited, ignorant Americans. You name it, I've heard it here. I'm just calling it how I see it. There are sidewalks EVERYWHERE, and lovely footpaths and trails all over here. Hubby and I went for a stroll around the village last night after tea, stopped into the pub for a pint, and continued walking home and we must have passed half our neighbours doing the same. Kids were all outside playing football, riding bikes. I honestly think the weather is so terrible here, that when the sun is out everyone here is just drawn outside, because when the weather is good here, its WONDERFUL.

I totally agree with you. People are far more active there than I see here. It isn't bias, it is facts from experience. People don't do anything here. They don't even walk their dogs, they just leave them tied up in their yard barking all day and night while they watch TV. I've never heard of a Brit doing that...

[JohnR! 5,495]

1343136724[/url]' post='5551077']

And despite all that, their physical inactivity metrics are through the roof.

Could it be that all the liberal feel good money spending programs in the world can't change basic human behavior?

Is it possible?

Have you considered that your source may be mistaken? Have you noticed Japan is in the same category as GB?

I am just saying...

[rocks 494]

Have you considered that your source may be mistaken? Have you noticed Japan is in the same category as GB?

I am just saying...

Maybe they went to Seattle and compared those statistics with some fat asses from the UK who were at McDonalds. That is the only way they could have come to this conclusion.

[JohnR! 5,495]

1343137683[/url]' post='5551111']

Maybe they went to Seattle and compared those statistics with some fat asses from the UK who were at McDonalds. That is the only way they could have come to this conclusion.

I would not be surprised. In this day and age people use Wikipedia as reference!

Furthermore these 'studies' don't disclose when and where it was conducted, the number of subjects analyzed or any other data. Anyone can make a pretty graphic to prove their point these days...

[rocks 494]

I would not be surprised. In this day and age people use Wikipedia as reference!

Furthermore these 'studies' don't disclose when and where it was conducted, the number of subjects analyzed or any other data. Anyone can make a pretty graphic to prove their point these days...

Exactly, I brought it up previously that you cannot access the actual data. But I'm the biased one.

[JohnR! 5,495]

1343137978[/url]' post='5551122']

Exactly, I brought it up previously that you cannot access the actual data. But I'm the biased one.

Well, whatever for would you need actual data??? It's in the internet, ergo it must be true, accurate and reliable!

[Teddy B 17,252]

Exactly. There isn't even any sidewalk here, walking is not an option.

You will be accused of bias like I was for thinking this.

You've said numerous times that there are no sidewalks where you live and that transportation is scarce. How do the people where you live get back and forth to the grocery store?

[SMOKE 1,426]

http://www.economist.com/node/21559319

[^_^ 5,021]

http://www.economist.com/node/21559319

The Economist is the UK's Fox News!

[rocks 494]

You've said numerous times that there are no sidewalks where you live and that transportation is scarce. How do the people where you live get back and forth to the grocery store?

You've asked this before. Isn't it pretty obvious? What other means of getting around is there..?

[Teddy B 17,252]

You've asked this before. Isn't it pretty obvious? What other means of getting around is there..?

I've asked before and you've yet to answer. It's not at all obvious to me, please explain.

[rocks 494]

I've asked before and you've yet to answer. It's not at all obvious to me, please explain.

If you can't work it out then I feel sorry for you.

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

*** One post containing personal attack and stereotyping removed, as are those quoting. Keep it civil. ***

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Back to topic, my own anecdotal evidence about why this study may be correct is that while the obesity levels are a bit higher in the US, I know far more regular gym goers here in the US than I did in the UK especially among women.

Also, it seems like women in the US are far more likely to have participated in team sports at some point in their lives since their seem to be more opportunities for them to participate when they are in school.

For what it's worth.