Japan maintains low obesity rates through dietary habits

Japan maintains one of the lowest obesity rates in the world, ranging between 4% and 8% according to the OECD and WHO. This stands in stark contrast to the United States, where rates exceed 40%, and Vietnam, where overweight and obesity rates have reached 19.5%.

Despite a diet that includes significant amounts of white rice, Japanese health is attributed to specific lifestyle habits rather than extreme weight loss measures. Key factors include the consumption of unsweetened teas, such as green or oolong tea, which contain polyphenols and catechins that may help metabolize fat. Additionally, the Japanese dietary tradition emphasizes nutritional balance through diverse ingredients and structured meal compositions, a practice encouraged by the government since 1985.