Dieting results in long term changes to hormones and muscle fibers.

[eridani]

263. Bullshit. Obesity is increasing all over the world

Most other cultures are not nearly as obsessed with weight, and so do not engage in the destructive dieting behavior that promotes weight gain. Japanese and other coastal Asian populations have the world's lowest incidence of genetic insuling resistance--which makes a lot of sense for cultures fuelled by rice, with its outrageously high glycemic index. Therefore they don't have the single most important factor that promotes weight gain in populations.

I've never been to Japan, but everywhere in Europe that I've been is exceedingly pedestrian and bicycle friendly. There is far less income inequality, and many more restrictions on working overtime, so it is no big deal to walk and bike to work and to do errands. Lack of these characteristics is the most important environmental factor that makes European rates of obesity lower. And individuals can't do jackshit about it (any more than they can control their genetics)--only political collective action can change those things.