Why are Koreans so slim? (from a Korean's perspective)

[@anna.lee_jy]

Join me for a live with me + Danny at 11am KST on Wednesday! :) My blue top: bit.ly/3NeDC50 Silver rings: bit.ly/3MTAH0d Silver ear cuff: bit.ly/3IWiKwH

[@cindypoole6792]

Would that be Tuesday 7pm US PST ?

[@basic.yousra2914]

you re just talkin about kpop idols here they re the only ones who re slim and therefore just a minority the reality the majority of koreans are overweight

[@dudududuwitz]

using Wedny's pic from the time when she was clearly suffering is disgusting , shame on you

[@DomFortress]

​@@basic.yousra2914 is called sarcopenia, the majority of Asian population are "skinny fat" with unhealthy body composition of high body fat percentage, and low skeletal muscle mass plus bone density. They can still have low or normal body mass index (BMI) for a slim or skinny built, but not muscular, strong, powerful, or anything indicated for a high basal metabolic rate.

[@balafama2120]

@@DomFortress I'm surprised you didn't talk about genetics. Asians on the average are smaller built and shorter than westerners. European countries also have healthier diets than Americans but they are generally bigger than Asians.

[@dougmiller5849]

After visitng the Korean countryside, I noticed no fast food, less bread, more fresh fruits like peaches, less sugary snacks. Also, the people were more active. Seeing a woman in her 70s perform hand stances in the park really was impressive, all her friends were cheering her on, so physical activity is increased. Elders climbing mountains was impressive too. Walking is a must and Korea has lots of steep hills.

[@kakaungranduomo2666]

Exactly So many buildings on hillside, especially schools and universities

[@edwardelric5019]

While in Turkey people eat healthy (at least the older Generation) there's no physical activity. Many drive everywhere with the car, similar to America. But this is the case for the countryside. People in the cities walk way more and don't necessarily even have a car.

[@chocolatestrawberry7694]

I've had the exact opposite experience. I actually see more overweight people in the countryside. Seeing overweight people in Korea is more rare than in other parts of the world, however, when I see them, they are usaully in small countryside towns, and it's in the bigger cities where I don't really see it. I've been trying to figure out why that is. I don't really know, but i'm starting to think it has something to do (just a theory) with the pressure Anna mentioned? In the country side , people work in farms and small town businesses etc and , I think people feel like because these jobs are not big time careers that you seek in the cities, there is maybe less incentive to play up the appearance, so maybe there is less incentive to diet overall? Whereas the cities have everyone competing for the same jobs and their is this social expecation to look a certain way? It's just a theory, but this is something that has had me curious fora while .

[@softerhaze]

It seems to be very common in Asian countries for elderly to do daily exercise in the park. It's very wholesome and also means they won't spend their older years in solitude

[@chrystianaw8256]

​@@softerhaze true

[@Xiaxue978]

Your observations are spot on. 100% correct. Personally, I don’t think the portions in Korea are that small but I find Korean food very filling and full of natural ingredients without the heaviness of butter, cream, etc. When I lived there, one day a school girl was going home and said she was so excited. I asked why and she replied that she was going to eat an orange! I cannot imagine an American child being as thrilled to go home because there were oranges there.

[@chrystianaw8256]

That little girl sounds so cute

[@Xiaxue978]

@@chrystianaw8256 she was! This happened nearly 20 years ago but really left an impression on me. I guess it wasn’t all that long in the past that we could only eat more locally and seasonally. Not like these days where we can eat whatever we want year round like it’s nothing special.

[@anna-5104]

I'm not saying that the girl wasn't cute or anything, but literally today I was so excited to go home, because I had bought strawberries and I love strawberries haha. I'm from Germany and an adult lol.

[@Xiaxue978]

@@anna-5104 haha 😂 you are cute, too! It’s not a competition. 😛🏆 Strawberries are delicious, indeed! My daughter loves them so much, she could probably eat her weight in strawberries.

[@chrystianaw8256]

@@anna-5104 I love strawberries too💕

[@ubiquitousinfluence]

loved that she got straight to the point instead of an annoying little intro in the beginning. idk why youtubers think we have endless hours in the day to be listening to their little rambles at the start of every video. anyway this was very informative so thank u ma'am

[@villcat9750]

😂

[@JimmyTulip1]

I got into the habit of immediately skipping the first 2-3min of every video... it's almost always as you say. Useless rambling.

[@manzanitakatznellenbogen2870]

It's like those recipes that have to tell you all about the heart felt trueness of the ingredients or some such bollocks. Put a sock in it pet and tell me how much onion I need 😂

[@PreppyPrincess777]

Absolutely!

[@Off_the_clock_astrophysicist]

I changed my diet when I married into a Korean family. There was no drastic change in my weight because I come from another slim country, France. But the Korean diet still worked wonders for my health. Rice repaced bread. My intake of vegetables went way up. I don't kow why western countries can't figure out yummy vegetable dishes. The variety and flavor of the vegetable side dishes on a Korean table is out of this world. The fresh produce section at a Korean grocery store is glorious. I used to have a lot of digestive issues in my youth and early adulthood. That's gone. My intake of dairy went down (also partly because having immigrated to the US, I can't find good, affordable cheese anymore).

[@bompp8113]

wow

[@margotmargot4426]

wow you married a whole family!

[@Off_the_clock_astrophysicist]

@@margotmargot4426 When you get married that's how it goes. You get in-laws.

[@Sun-Young-hk9ic]

Just drink a lot of water I’m from Korea and we walk a lot

[@esilenna8716]

western countries do figure out how to do yummy vegetables dishes, but it is less spread. Try some Vegan or Vegetarian restaurants and there you have plenty of choices. It is more proeminent in cities rather than the coutryside, that is still way more of a meat oriented cutlure

[@bicokun]

I think population density is also a big thing, too. I know especially in the US we can’t really walk anywhere. The closest convenience store to me is a 30 minute walk through a large residential area and across a highway. Going to an actual grocery store or downtown would take an hour of walking, which just doesn’t work when we have little free time as it is. In Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, I walked so much more because everything was right there and I didn’t even need a car. I always lose so much weight in Asian countries even when I eat really well.

[@evelynlh]

Depends on where you live in America, in my current neighborhood I only drive to the store once a week, to the surf spot since I don't have a rack for my bike, or the rare times I have to leave the neighborhood. However I've also lived places where I had to drive pretty much everywhere, so it varies.

[@counterculture10]

I don't know about population density. I think it's more a matter of the way our cities and communities are designed. Americans valorize space and size. They often build their houses outside the city in satellite communities (suburbs). They prefer to drive their own cars rather than take the public transportation system. Because some often choose to live in suburbs or rural communities, there is a need to drive your car from place to place. In many other countries (Asian come to mind), people live in small apartments located in the city. Instead of having satellite communities, the city just spreads out. Public transportation is convenient and necessary. One of the advantages of this style of life is that, like you said, everything is right there--within walking distance or a public transportation line.

[@REDinitial]

@@counterculture10 America for the most part is not very pedestrian friendly and is designed for constant car use. Comparatively in European cities most amenities are within walking distance with public transport fairly easily fulfilling this need when they are not. I have lived in Eastern Europe until 19 and I have been in Western Europe for the last decade and I have never owned a car nor do I have a driver's license. I just can't justify the cost when I haven't needed it for work or living.

[@counterculture10]

@@REDinitial I agree with you.

[@emilymutersbaugh4199]

After living in Korea I would say its a myth that the average person is thin. Most I saw were overweight or normal. There's a huge diet culture, and a lot of the food in unhealthy. I gained weight in Korea as did the majority of my friends who were there. The refined carbs and added sugar in everything were off the charts.

[@Sunflowerlovesbees593]

Thank you!

[@halcyon6098]

They made it for you lot who need sugar.

[@mimi-gl9nc]

I’m a Korean American living in the US, my kids are half Korean half white and are all slim. We have a healthy diet majority of time. I’m so surprised to see kids these days look way older and bigger than normal. If my kids were that big I’d have them in that treadmill every day! Do parents not care about their children.

[@elkiton]

I would say that the present generation of children in UK suffer from having parents as "friends" not figures of authority, a trend of the individual having "rights" to do what they like. The Internet culture has bred laziness, indolence and a general don't give a sh1t" attitude. Aided and abetted by the food industry we have reached the point where there is no going back. I see a world 50 years out, comprised 80% of fat, lazy, ill, drones and a 20% of thinking, slim, active elite working to keep themselves healthy while the rest go further downhill, subsidised.

[@TreyPDB]

Some Korean girls become scarily skinny. Nothing wrong with being thin but there's limits to everything

[@dukkyfuzzfuzzydukk3594]

You must be a potato :)

[@olufson]

exactly, most people do not naturally think someone who looks sceletal is good-looking, it's simply not in our dna since due to evolution people would pick a love interest according to their healthiness (which would more likely produce a healthy offspring) and being extremely thin or overweight is simply not healthy. I mean weighing just over 40 kg as an adult female is far from healthy, that's losing your period and becoming infertile territory unless you're extremely short. actually scientific research has proven that the healthiest people are around 2 kgs overweight, so their body has enough energy stored away in cases of emergency. thus the beauty standards in SK are all based on social conditioning, not some innate appreciation for looking almost scary thin. although genetics definitely do factor in because most Korean women, let's face it, are very flat: barely any boobs or ass, and the hips and waist are almost the same width. this means that unlike women from other ethnicities who naturally have more of an hourglass shape, they would just get chubby all over, forming a sort of a barrel shaped body rather than nice feminine curves. so they'd understandably rather be thin and pencil-shaped because this also gives a certain excuse for the lack of curves. here in Northern Europe we still have somewhat of a 00s 'heroin chic' thinness standard too, which has never been truly shaken by the Western Kim Kardashian curvy influence. that's why I used to be ashamed of my 98-64-98 hourglass figure. this also means that my clothing sizes are all over the place because clothes these days are made only for the straight-up-and-down figures. my top is usually a size M, waist a size XS or S and bottoms size M to L, pretty impossible to find something that fits lol. however I've come to realize that everyone is shaped differently due to genetics and despite hating my thick thighs etc, I am actually glad to have an hourglass figure now and also prefer it on other women. a small-to-medium hourglass-shaped woman will always be the hottest to me ngl, whatever the beauty standards. that's why I can find a lot of these kpop girls beautiful, but hardly any of them attractive in a more mature sense iykyk. I can see how being model-thin would be considered pretty in an almost ethereal way but I personally don't get it how anyone sane and normal can look at someone shaped like a preteen girl and consider that 'hot' 😬. let's also not forgret that many of them have to wear padding on the chest and hips to make it look like they have any curves. the issue is that it's very rare for women to be slim yet have curves in 'all the right places' simultaneously, since these curves are in a large part just fatty deposits. this is why women especially struggle with body image a lot since there is too much emphasis placed onto our looks, not just by a patriarchal society but also each other, women care too much to follow the lookist trends set by other women. whereas it's more linear for men who just need to not be overweight and grow muscles a little. I know I'd never want to live in SK because I'd be told I'm fat right to my face despite being average-size/ slim in Europe. and as someone who's struggled with an eating disorder that would be quite traumatizing personally. despite knowing I don't agree with korean thin-worshipping standards, I'd probably still subconciously be pressured to follow them to some extent and that could provoke disordered eating again. PS: the thinness standards are even worse in China, where even slim toned muscle don't seem to be appreciated, certainly not on women. and the same standards are applied to men, no muscle mass, just be as tall as possible while looking emanciated in an XL T-shirt which looks like a dress on you. these appearance standards are so weird, we should all just strive to be of a normal healthy average weight for our height and stop making body types into trends 🙄

[@kairi3895]

and 42% of adults in usa are obese.. so..

[@TL-mm7ni]

Having researched korean food…it’s highly plant based and though the eating style is big portions in the mouth..I think people get fuller faster. In the US eating healthy has always equated to a “diet” but it’s now mainstream popular for us to embrace a regular plant based healthy lifestyle and not just for a temporary fix. That’s actually how the plant based terminology evolved in the US…the Korean food within the vegan community years ago triggered this fad for us which now has evolved into a way of life for us. I started vegan/plant based since 1993 so it’s been interesting watching all this unfold

[@glentromur90]

this was extremely interesting. I'm Italian and lived for 5 years in the USA. I recently moved to Seoul and in 1 moth I lost 4.5 kg without even trying. so yes, the life style and the food really really do a lot! plus the rest of course

[@CountyClaire]

But no one was forcing you in the US to over eat or eat what was not healthy.. or stop exercising. I'm a petite American...I've never been overweight...born and raised here....I have chosen not to make unhealthy choices...and we do have plenty of wonderful choices....Including fattening food ....once in a while! All things in moderation.

[@cherry.613]

Talking from my own experience (and putting aside all the toxicity that goes with the orean body image): I lived in Korea for abt 5 months and when I came back I had lost 10kg without even thinking abt it. And I ate soo much food there, I tried everything. It really comes down to all the walking and the kinds of food that's available there.

[@ArtiePenguin1]

Here in the US there's *so* much processed foods everywhere. You really have to go out of your way to eat 'cleanly', meaning eating simple non-processed foods. Very few if any non-upscale restaurants serve anything except for processed foods. Unfortunately in the US, you either have to live in a wealthy area with upscale restaurants or make/take your own food to eat healthy. But yes, I'd also agree portion size and activity (exercise) habits play a large role here in the US.

[@sweetsimpleslowlife2709]

Great points and mostly correct because calories in and calories out concept has been around for decades however there is one very crucial and important point that was not mentioned and that is the fact that Asian people simply have a different genetic makeup and they are born with a petite frame to begin with which makes them automatically look smaller and slimmer. No matter how much weight I lose, I could never fit into that one size fits all T-shirt because my frame is so much bigger and wider than a petite Korean body. 😉

[@yasminx16]

Exactly! Why is this being ignored?

[@hippie_ish]

I was cracking up and offended about the oven thing 😂. I'm American but my parents are from two different Caribbean countries. We grew up using the oven A LOT, not for baking cookies and cakes but for baking meat like chicken and fish, or pasta like Mac n cheese or something. I've been vegan since 2015, and I still use the oven a lot because frying typically requires a lot of oil. And oil is something I limit in my diet. The air fryer has been a godsend. But yeah, ovens aren't only for baking cookies and cakes is my point and I doubt most Americans are baking pastries or cakes even once per week unless it's their profession. America is very diverse though, so of course it depends.

[@hannahs5707]

Same- I grew up in the south and we slow roasted a lot of chicken, ribs, oxtail, rutabagas, sweet potatoes, and one pan meat and veggie dishes. We're Black, but fried meat really was only for birthday parties. My granddad grew up on a farm with a LOT of siblings, and I would say we retained the food culture based on local ingredients pretty well. An oven was essential in my family even though we only baked for the holidays!

[@TeeBoyd88]

You have a right to be offended but she isn't wrong. I'm from downunder and I also see ovens being used to bake cakes, cookies, brownies, slow cooked meats etc. The only americans I see cooking well balanced meals are the ones who promote vegan & wholefood meals (which are my preferred food channels). These are our observations we're not saying every household does this. I also don't use a lot of oil in my cooking, which is why I prefer steamed or dry roasting.

[@Hersheychocolate12]

@@TeeBoyd88 Personally not my experience with families I visited or my own family or extended family. But since America has a lot of different cultures and people first/second/third generation. So I feel when ppl talk about America, its usually the generalization and focus of white americans. Not everyone else here and the food they cook in their homes.

[@MsMagnolia19]

I absolutely love the idea of sharing food

[@melon8258]

Agree about the portion sizes here in the U.S. I try to find a friend who is willing to split with me or I eat half the plate and pack the rest home to save for another meal. Honestly, I just wish restaurants would cut their portion sizes in half and reduce their prices but I’m guessing they would lose money this way.

[@abbypierce4196]

I’m naturally very slim and have had comments about my body for as long as I can remember. I remember one of my older sister’s friends saying I looked “like a holocaust victim” in a picture of me in a swimsuit in middle school. I always found a lot of security and confidence in Asian beauty standards, because I was able to fit those. It’s obviously a constant balance, as thinness is wayyyy to valued in Asian culture. But in the US, it’s like you have to have the waist of a size 2 and the tits and ass of a size 8. Fucking exhausting.

[@jennifermattly2874]

I appreciate your honesty. As an American and living in suburbia, the car culture is huge!! As well as the ridiculous portion sizes!! The FF couture here is awful!! And yet we have people who go hungry. It makes no sense.

[@ERICASHANNON]

Most Americans are forced into “car culture” because things are not as accessible like they are in Korea. My office is at least 20 to 30 minutes from my house across the biggest bridge in the Southeast on one of the busiest highways in Georgia. Grocery stores are close but getting home with bags of groceries are a problem when where you live does public transportation does not exist . Korea is structured for convenience with most things in close proximity ie. convenience stores, coffee shops and so on. I would love to save my money on the up keep of a car and use public transportation while getting in exercise. The average American city is not set up with this convenience in mind. Portion sizes are huge! As an American I am always blown away by how much restaurants portion sizes are. I usually will order a meal and divide it into smaller portions so I can eat it for several days instead of in one setting which I have never been able to do.

[@addytude]

As a Korean American born in Korea and raised in the US, I say this with both love and honesty. Korea is a small country with lots of talented people and limited opportunity. To survive is to be diligent in EVERYTHING we do and stand out above the crowd. The quickest way to do that is exhibiting external beauty. Another is owning & showing off luxury goods, but that’s a conversation for another day. So yeah, I just said Koreans are superficial and materialistic, but also talented, diligent survivors.

[@markatlasauthor6969]

WOW this is a great video on diet, asianism, and capitalism. I've discovered Asian thinking when it comes to food and even work ethic. There is so much in your message that could be expanded and analyzed. Western capitalism is about the satisfaction of self, while Asian capitalism always has an emphasis on traditional values. SUGAR needs more exposure. Western society has been seduced by sugar, and western kids do not love vegetables, which they should, especially if the family source comes from supermarket frozen produce which lacks texture and flavor and more. The Western obscene diet digs down into a huge array of variables that are at the least political, capitalistic and societal. But I would say it also comes down to the mindset western kids are growing up in. Parents that have no cultural values with eating and health, what chance does their children have? Serioiusly Anna - you're onto a concept here for a book that needs to be written. You're expression is really well balanced without being threatening. And if you approached someone like Yeonmi Park, perhaps you might get a forward.

[@ImJisooImOkei]

As a Japanese person living in japan who used to live in California, I can say that I will see less obese people in japan, and as Anna said, I think Japan has smaller proportions.

[@SharonWhitfield-ce7tw]

When I was in high school, in Belton, Texas, my friends and I would bring our lunch. We all shared with each other. It was so much fun.

[@emmakiws491]

Hi Anna, thank you for this video. I live in Scotland in the UK. I was always very thin as a child until I began to get hormones as a teenager, I had a terrible time with periods and trying to get them normalised with taking pills etc. It messed my body up, and now I am hypothyroid. My body`s metabolism is very slow and sluggish, I find it incredibly difficult to lose weight. At one point in the past I was going to the gym, on a diet and I gained weight after 2 months. It made me feel awful. I am now the heaviest I have ever been. The only diet I found that works is the keto diet, but I can never manage to maintain it. Ive sort of almost given up. One thing you talked about was the pushing by friends, family to lose weight or to maintain it. I think if I had that here then it would be so much easier to continue to keep motivation going. But no one cares here. I would love to live in a country like South Korea where the food is way healthier and the portion sizes smaller. It would make dieting much easier to maintain. You have inspired me, I wish you all the best. Take care.

[@peachesandcream8753]

I was keto for 7 years, and carnivore for 1 year, so I could probably help you. The best thing to do to manage your diet is to prioritise protein (animal protein) over everything else. Protein is the building block for every cell in your body, so make sure you are getting adequate amounts. I emphasise animal protein because it is the closest to our own protein cells and is easily absorbed over plant protein. Calculate your calories based upon your protein intake being 30% of your diet, which you should hit every day, and then add fat to supplement for energy. Calculate your TDEE (Google TDEE calculator and it will tell you) and then eat at a deficit. Gaining weight and gaining muscle are different things; there are two ways you can go about this: 1. You could weigh yourself every day, at the same time everyday, for 3 months. This will show you how your weight fluctuates depending on where you are in your cycle (you will gain as you come towards your period and lose as you come towards your fertilisation period) and will also show you the trend in which your weight is following; if you are seeing the overall numbers go downwards, you know you are doing well. 2. Do not weigh yourself and go by how your clothes fit instead. If numbers scare you, and make you more likely to fall into a depressive state, than ditch the scale and just focus on how your clothes fit.

[@자기애정아]

한국의 음식이 양이 적지 않아요 단품이 미국과 크기 차이가 난다 뿐이지 식사한끼 양은 밥200g 더큰 국 그릇 반찬 기본 5접시를 한번에 먹어요 후식과 차까지 마시면 양이 많아요😅

[@emmakiws491]

Thank you! Yeah I do not weigh myself anymore.@@peachesandcream8753

[@KevkevDisG]

I think it's also important to note that staying slim and a certain weight is not only important for the aesthetic aspect, but is crucial for the health aspect, as well. Genetically, cardiovascular diseases show more readily in Asians at lower weight classes/BMIs compared to other races. I'm 5'5" and a few years ago I was at my heaviest at 135lbs. I was prehypertensive and that scared me. I lost 18lbs and my blood pressure normalized to a heathy range and I've been lucky enough to be able to maintain that. The doctor that did my yearly physical was impressed by the difference in my overall health, vitals and labs compared to the year before

[@anyadarlingg]

By no means am I an expert in nutrition- but when I took a nutrition course at my college I learned a lot of useful information. I know a big part of weight management is indeed calorie consumption. But in the long run, if you are to eat over processed foods, high amounts of trans fats, cholestoral, etc- these foods will most likely bring your inflammation levels up in your body. Which eventually affects how your body breaks down certain foods. And you can get to the point of diabetes if your inflammation levels are high enough- which means your body wont be able to break down the sugars you intake. Versus someone who eats more whole grains & veggies, who has low inflammation levels in the body, will be able to eat junk food still without long term affects, cuz their metabolism is higher, and their body is in a better place to break those sugars down. High inflammation can lead to high blood pressure as well, which could cause issues if you dont address it. Diet is underrated for the treatment on things like this (versus docs who just like to prescribe meds right away, and barely touch on diet)

[@sifonur]

looks like the Korean government knows how to make people multitask with their City Plan which is a great thing that shows korea really cares about it's people. also very clever

[@FavourKris]

I'll love to make friends, especially with Korean. I derive joy interacting with people from different background. Any Korean willing to be friends?

[@kyungminnam]

썸네일보고 또 한국 마른거에 집착하다고 욕하는 영상인가 싶어 짜증났는데 내용이랑 댓글보고 안심했어요. 미국살면서 body positivity 타령하면서 한국 외모지상주의라 다 말랐다고 욕하는거 어이없을때가 한두번이 아니거든요... 우리나라가 외모지상주의인것도 어느정도 사실이지만 그냥 니들이 건강하지 못하게 사는거라고ㅠㅠ

[@ckbrowne9243]

The STAIRS! I've been here for two weeks in Seoul and I've never took so many stairs.

[@mistressysabeau7391]

This is a great analysis. In the US, most of us grew up being told we must clean our plates and eat everything because there were starving children in China/Asia/Africa who would love to eat it. The portion sizes are huge at restaurants. I don't like it but it is a cultural thing that doesn't help with the "clean plate" programming. As far as the Halo effect. I think that is one thing with celebrities, but in real life it is the opposite. "Beautiful" people often are looked down upon because it is believed that the only thing they have going for them is their looks. They don't have to work as hard for things and aren't as smart. That is why the smart, pretty girl is portrayed as a rarity in media and the "ugly, fat" people are the smart people - they have to work harder and study more to get half the attention of the beautiful people. I definitely think that there is toxicity on both sides of the issues.

[@vaughnwilliams1208]

Westerners have always eaten cheese etc. When I was young in England, most working men had a full English breakfast most mornings and you hardly ever saw a fat working man. Oriental people have slim frames.

[@kierahuskarl]

There are many structural issues in the US and UK that make healthy living difficult, but the general complacency around it is also really toxic. So many people are insecure and get defensive when you state intentions to make healthier choices just for yourself, so I don't even talk about going to the gym anymore. When you describe the opposite extreme Korean social norms, I feel like the ideal would be some individualism (your health is your own responsibility) but with collective support-- prioritizing walkability, better food, and social environments that don't revolve around eating.

[@EmelieWaldken]

I have a similar comparison to make. In Sweden, where I live, the weight of a person is just not a topic. If a friend specifically confides in you about their weight, then you can talk about it together, but you'll never talk ABOUT someone's weight. Even if they're really big. As comparison, my family in France and Switzerland talks a heck lot about weight. When I ask for news from my elder sister, the first one is often about how slimmer/fatter she's got lately. She herself is also constantly talking about weight and diets. My cousin can't stop being depressed because she's "fat" (she's absolutely not, she's just naturally heavy without actually having fat tissues, but she is so focused on the number). It was very refreshing for me to move to Sweden !

[@NEWJEANSCREW]

I live in Australia and there is a lot different between American portion size and Australian portion size here too. It’s also common to pack your own lunch at school we don’t get lunch served at school like in America. We do have a small shop like building where you can buy ice blocks and sometimes order meals from but from my experience it was only open on Mondays and Fridays, and even then all they food you ordered would usually fit in a brown paper bag so the portions where small but healthy for a child. We also don’t have anything like Walmart but instead we have grocery stores that only really sell food and simple necessities. Oh and we don’t really have convenience stores either, we do have stuff like connivance stores but there called petrol stations and we never really buy food from there at least me and everybody I know doesn’t. You just go to fill up your car and pay. Some places in Australia have more public transportation than others but for me everyone own a car and uses that to get places. I also see that Australians always go for the healthiest option so we have a lot of health shops along with a lot of general exercise parks attached to playgrounds. It’s crazy how different Australia is to America and Korea so I thought I would just share this information to get some people interested in Australia!😅🇦🇺

[@Annie_TMZ]

I'm western, so I can't speak for an oriental, but I can say that what I see in idols is not even remotely a "healthy" body, it's just skinny bodies that look like they could break at any moment. I know you use arguments like: "it's part of traditional Asian cuisine", "it happens because of Korea's Space organization" and "The small size is because most Koreans are thin". This doesn't seem remotely true, when I see the amount of comments from people who feel bad about being called "lazy", just for having normal bodies. I'm sorry, but you look like someone who, because you have a good gene pool and like to exercise, *doesn't see the superhuman pressure that society creates on top of a "Beautiful and healthy body", which most of the time carries a mind wrecked by never being enough.*

[@flowerpower3618]

They are very small boned. I think it’s lovely

[@davidchung6119]

tldr: korea doesn't have a fat-shaming-shaming culture

[@dustcloud6158]

In Israel with the sharing it’s very simular we order some dishes and everyone shares it’s really fun

[@cupofchi_]

ive noticed that most countries include whole foods in their meals vs traditional american meals dont. for example: burgers & fries vs rice, greens, and a protein

[@texasburbs4380]

I had a Korean exchange student for 9 months. She gained about 15 lbs. even though we tried to eat a lot of Korean food. Like you said, in the US we tend to eat a lot more unhealthy food and huge portion sizes. She lost the weight as soon as she was back in Korea and it isn't like she is starving herself, the girl can eat! It is just healthier.

[@karld1791]

We also don’t walk much in America unlike Korea because America is built to drive everywhere. That’s coded into law by single use zoning regulations separating homes from shops.

[@alex.and.babies]

There’s also the fact we use seed oils in America in all the food, but in Korea they use more animals fats (butter, lard, tallow, ghee) or healthy Sat. Fat oils like avocado and coconut oils.

[@Lunatic4Bizcas]

Food is a lot more processed here as well, so you have to be a lot more aware and conscious of the quality of food you are purchasing and what all of the ingredients and components are in our food.

[@Nadia-ox1kf]

This right here proves that it’s not about how much you eat. It’s just in American FDA allows all sort of terrible ingredients in foods. Like someone above mentioned seed oils. If you try stations away from seed oils you will quickly learn how it’s in everything. Even in “healthy foods.” The easiest was for Americans to lose weight is to go abroad for a time.

[@kalmtraveler]

it's a little bit of a misconception that eating "healthier food" vs "unhealthy food" will make you gain/lose weight... it really just boils down to calories eaten VS calories burned. I read a research paper done some years ago by a uni professor who ate nothing but junk food (as I recall things like Twinkies, donuts, cookies, etc) and vitamins to make up for the lack of nutrition in the junk, but kept his daily calories mathematically low enough to lose weight. He consistently lost weight over months of the test just as expected, despite only eating complete junk food.

[@vanbeuthen3701]

Fun fact: I lost over 15 kg in my 2 months in Seoul just because of eating only Korean food like Gimbap there. I was quite (positive) shocked, because I just changed my eating style and not much more. Since I'm back home I mostly cook korean food, care more about sports and already lost 25 kg before my time there. Friends couldn't believe that because I'm like a new person. Awesome! :)

[@AaaArigt]

Dammmmmmnnnn

[@Lilo_06]

As a Korean teenager,I do think its something a lot of people should recommend trying. Our eating styles/habits are actually very easy if you are willing to put commitment into it.

[@HyHana.blue2030]

If you like to eat things related to vegetables, I recommend you come to Vietnam to try it once. Here we have a lot of dishes related to vegetables. Just a bowl of normal noodles that you often see in Korea is enough to eat a whole basket of all kinds of green vegetables. It can be seen that celebrities like Rosé really like Vietnamese food

[@GorgieClarissa]

losing 15kg in 2 months is not healthy..... that is too much too fast. not something to be proud of!

[@Lilo_06]

@@GorgieClarissa Everyone's body is different sweetheart!

[@eunsihae]

I eat MUCH more when I visit Korea, yet bec of the walking, dragging luggage, climbing hills & stairs.. i always come home lighter than when i just arrived. The unintentional "exercise" is what affects my weight and calorie intake. totally agree with you, Anna. I've visited at least 5x, and each time has been the case with weight loss.

[@jasonk.-im6od]

Interesting.

[@psychedelicacynical]

I agree, I always eat alot when I visit Korea or Japan (it's basically food heaven, you want to try everything), but because of the sheer amount of walking I do in their cities, I never gain weight after my holidays there. if you don't take taxis there and rely entirely on their subways or buses (as many locals do), it's easily 10 - 12 hours of walking everyday.

[@bunnywavyxx9524]

and you see them have many small/medium portions of lots of different food, it appears as though they eat more than westerners, but I think they're just less sedentary and places are more walkable.

[@karld1791]

@@Ste4247 you walk all over in Japan because it’s built to walk. America is built to drive because it has strict single use zoning that separates homes and shops making use drive everywhere.

[@lunar686]

I find that even though you eat more in terms of volume, the food often has far less calories and is far less processed which can make it easier to burn off as a source of fuel, rather than your body trying to figure out wtf to do with transaturated fats or flavour E751 lol 😂

[@gillianomeagher1221]

Every Korean and Chinese female friend I have is utterly obsessed with their weight. Their families will constantly point out they are bloated or have put on weight (like, a kilo!) and the fat shaming is extreme. Young women's weight is way more monitored by family, friends, lovers, and society in general. Being slim/physical appearance is included in competitive conservative culture, like income etc.

[@robopecha]

that is basically the only reason.

[@yifangong2331]

As a Chinese woman I totally agree. I’m 30 My mom would still comment on my choice of clothes like: you shouldn’t wear sleeveless stuff because you arms are big. Don’t show your armpits because you have supernumerary breast. It’s not that she’s controlling me, those comments are just not offensive and crossing the lines for her to speak out. Same goes to my calves, I grow up hearing lots of people suggesting me to get botox in my calves because they are too big. 😅

[@catherineliang1891]

@@yifangong2331 totally can relate, im chinese too and it's just i feel like in the culture

[@ellize1998]

​@@yifangong2331not me going to the gym 5 times a week to GROW my calves 😅

[@jieji3247]

But Japanese are really slim. 😂😂( from a Chinese)

[@juliethompson3706]

I teach English in Korea. I did an English cooking camp this week where we made Rice Crispy Treats. They were excited to eat it, but also nervous. When I was explaining to students that we butter the pan before we put the treats in, they got really worried. My students said the word "calories" 15 times. They are 3rd and 4th grade kids. My co-teacher finally got them to quiet down when he explained why the butter was necessary. We also explained to the students, multiple times. This is not a treat that you eat alone. This is a treat you share. You can keep this treat in the refrigerator for many days. You don't eat it all at once. I think Koreans are aware of the health benefits of food from a much younger age too.

[@ЮлияЦой-л4й]

Бред какой-то. Меньше есть чипсов, фаст-фуда, газировки. Едят вредную еду типа рамён. И зачем есть так много, полных мужиков в Корее полно,но хангуки следят только за женщинами. Их в Корее и без этого мало. Мне повезло, я родилась в другой стране, хоть и кореянка. И вполне могу себе позволить не быть идеальной.

[@mostlyclear6071]

That's not being aware of the health benefits. That's an ingrained eating disorder.

[@barbaramay9288]

I view calories like money. So if a small non filling meal is high in calories, to me that’s like buying a Tshirt for 300 dollars. So I have a daily budget that matches with my daily activities. I make sure to not go over my budget and still remain full

[@mswilliamsteacher9076]

Had the same thing happened when I made smores with the kids.

[@yeet7352]

to be honest i think it is sad that kids as young as 3rd and 4th grade are worried about calories. there is absolutely such a thing as too health conscious, and i think it should be their parents worrying about what their kids eat not the kids - children should be able to enjoy food and enjoy their childhood without such worries. if i heard a child as young as 3rd grade saying they were nervous to eat a treat because of the calories in the butter it was cooked in, i would be worried about them developing an eating disorder when they are older

[@jasminekim4283]

it’s not just diet and healthy food culture, but HUGE social pressure. I now live in California and people consider me skinny and fit, (i do love active lifestyle and delicious “real” food) and I have almost zero pressure on my weight. but back in Korea growing up I constantly heard (almost weekly basis) to “lose weight” “you are big” “why did you gain weight” “you better lose that extra puffiness” from acquaintances, friends family and even strangers. Not just weight but same for skin and just general appearance. Idk why Koreans care SO MUCH about it. yes it matters but only to the extent you are taking good care of yourself. Honestly I cannot be happier now that I left Korean living in Cali as a young woman just having less pressure in my daily life about appearances. Now I have way less stress and pressure on that part. The main difference I felt is Koreans think “smaller” is prettier and that’s something you “should” strive to get it, no matter what you do. But here at least in Cali, it’s about you “look” healthy than just being small. And it matters if you use your physical body as your job, but if your job is mainly using brainpower, who cares?

[@MVPA-io5ee]

I guess it's "vanity" because of the culture. Most of the time they have to care like for example their need for double eyelids, picture included for resume etc. Personal opinion of looking at BMI as a standard, Korean certainly doesn't look healthy just because they're skinny. The girls are taller but they culturally expect and want to be below 50kg or they feel ashamed. Same with Japanese girls. You see the girls like that chopsticks leg kind of look. Looking at the BMI, most of them are underweight. 🥲

[@MOR7295]

I totally agree, the Korean beauty standards and culture are very toxic, especially for women. And if you are a little different the treatment from the society is very harsh and can lead to many mental issues. That’s not enough talked about in my opinion, unfortunately.

[@dawrld4rmmeyes]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I worry about the toxicity that being thin can be.

[@sofia-ju8pj]

yea she mentioned that

[@jnnkmm]

I'm so used to that so when my parents call me round face or piggy, It doesn't really faze me. But instead I look at the mirror and do see how skinny fat I look. I'm no where near obese, I'm just average weight even in korea. But the way I eat, and not exercise, it resulted me being skinny fat and bloated looking. Honestly, if no one is there to criticize my current condition and the way I eat, I would probably be unhealthy and die early. I already have abnormally high cholesterol for my age because of the way I eat and not exercise. I think instead of just thinking your family and close ones are shit talking you, it's better to think that they're saying it for your own good.

[@Dazarabia522]

I livedd in Korea for 7 years, I ate only Korean food and I slimmed down without trying from 63 kilos to 53 kilos. I ate 3 meals a day and my diet was heavenly

[@ЮлияЦой-л4й]

Да в Корее в такой жаре вы не съедите много

[@rosedewittbukater4203]

Wow!

[@Useryuic]

I had like an older blonder version of her in the bed. She went hard on me and never spoke about anything you said in life . 😊

[@happyjolly77able]

Really? I was in korea for 3 weeks and gained 8 kgs from the food.

[@Sara-v]

@@happyjolly77able maybe you ate takeaway/unhealthy food?

[@DeathfireD]

When I visited Korea for a week, I came back home 10lbs lighter. Between the walking every day and how meals are broken up into side dishes instead of one large plate, really makes a huge difference. The quality of the food is also a lot better. Not a lot of added ingredients or chemicals compared to American foods.

[@lotusgrl444]

When I travel to Europe, I see instantaneously the difference in food quality....plus they still indulge in pastries/wine and are healthier than most Americans, they also walk more, yes the weather helps but still, the approach to health is a breath of fresh air compared to, in my opinion, the cheap and lazy way in America..and if you want to eat healthy, it is very pricey

[@burnt-croissants]

SAME thing happened to me. I travelled to Seoul for four weeks and came back 15lbs lighter. I walked in the city often and the food was so filling but just overall healthier. Even when we ate out, which was quite often since we stayed at an airbnb.

[@eden5695]

american food is poisoned ong

[@jazmckeev]

same!

[@emile-ajar]

의학적으로 살펴보자면, 동양인들.. 특히 한국인들은 서양인들에 비해서 췌장 길이가 짧고 신체 기본 칼로리 효율이 그리 좋지 못합니다. 고대때부터 육식보다는 채식위주로 먹어서 그렇다고 해요. 그래서 한국인들은 서양인들처럼 과하게 살이찌는 단계가 되면 살이 계속 찌기보다는 병이 들어서 사망하는 사례가 많아요.

[@RiRi-Riah]

A weird thing about certain places in the US is that a lot of people will shame others for healthy habits. I live in Florida, if you see someone walking to a grocery store or using public transportation people will look down on them because they think youre poor. Having a car is a status symbol in a lot of places in the US. If you eat healthy out a restaurant with friends people will sometimes look at you weird for having a salad or choosing veggies instead of fries. You look like youre trying to be better than everyone else when you choose to eat healthy or say no to dessert. 99% of my friends are like this, it sucks because it does not make you want to live healthy, it makes you want to live like the people around you so you don’t get judged :-/ i’m 26 by the way i’m not sure if older Americans experience the same thing.

[@JClover2]

Nobody is responsible for your health but you. So forget what other people think. If they are not supportive of you eating healthier and making better life choices they should not be your friends in the first place. Friends need to build up not tear down. Love you pfp btw.

[@Cristyface]

Omg the shame for healthier choices is so true. I am a thinner person who works out. I like to eat healthy because I feel it's good for my body. But people love to make comments about how I don't indulge enough in pastries and desserts. I've had older women make rude comments about how thin I am (I'm not unhealthy, so it's weird)

[@brittanys505]

yeah one of my friends helped pushed me into a downward spiral with my health tbh. I used to have more self control and now I'm eating more and more after they kept having me buy them food and trying to split it so we'd both pay less on food. I used to rarely drink soda but they kept wanting to meet up for coffees and smoothies and asking why I didn't want to drink at restaurants. Now I'm having soda a lot more often and constantly looking for different desserts every day. Not entirely blaming my friend, but with my mental health just worsening and all this stress I've been facing and food manages to make me a little happier, it's become hard to say no.

[@stina51093]

I'm around the same age as you and I have the same issue. Even at work people will make comments about how healthy I eat or how little I eat. It's annoying as hell. I'm not trying to be better than anyone. I'm just trying take care of myself and live a healthy life.

[@evelynnnyt]

@@stina51093you beat me to this comment! I’m so tired of people commenting on my healthy lunches as work as if I’m trying to be better than them. Not even close…

[@daebak_hana]

I lived in Seoul for almost a year. That was the lowest weight I've been in my adult life. As soon as I got back home, my weight went up. It's the food and lifestyle for sure.

[@Chili.512]

As a bodybuilder, I rarely ever eat fast food and am on top of my diet 99% of the time, however, In my short time living in Korea I found it was so easy to stay lean with how walkable everything is and how much better the quality of food is, even the fast food.

[@rrocketman]

Legit, make exercise part of your day without thinkin

[@aaiscya9388]

Not only are you intelligent, bubbly and fun…you’re honest! I think this is what I appreciate the most about your input! Keep being transparent and your awesome self👏🏾

[@lilllilllill]

나도 한국 사람이지만 한국 사람들의 마른 몸에 대한 집착은 정신병 수준이라고 생각함 ㅇㅇ 외국에 오래 있다가 들어오니까 더 느껴짐.. 기형적으로 마른 사람이 너무 많고, 그걸 보기 좋다고 얘기들 하고 서로 툭하면 던지는 너 살 빠졌네, 살 왜케 쪘냐 얘기들... 심지어 난 저체중인데도 부모한테 돼지 같다, 살 좀 빼라 소리를 귀에 딱지 앉게 들었음 ㅋㅋ 내가 한국인이라고 해서 쉴드치기 힘든 부분이라고 생각함 ㅇㅇ

[@lilllilllill]

아, 미국에 살 때는 ㄹㅇ 이 나라 비만이 심각하긴 하구나.. 느꼈지만 독일에 살 때는 대부분 사람들이 참 건강한 몸을 가졌구나 생각했음 ㅇㅇ 우리처럼 뼈만 남은 몸을 치켜세우는 게 아니라 항상 운동하고, 적당한 근육, 적당한 살을 가진 사람이 대부분이었던 듯... 그런 사람들 보다가 한국 사람, 특히 여자들 보면 ㄹㅇ 기아들 같음

[@Gggvf3644]

I was shocked when i saw kids eating Poptarts as breakfast in the state very first time. As a Korean I couldn’t imagine myself giving my kids these things. She’s so right. we would definitely call this child abusing..

[@Neonravekid]

Because it really is it's just not as outwardly and obvious...

[@mermaid5948]

I’m American and from Mexican descent and would never serve this to my son either. I wasn’t brought up this way as well. 😢

[@samvittighedsfuld7586]

But Koreans aren't actually doing that well. More than 36% of Korean men are obese and more than 27% of Korean women are obese. According to the WHO Asians tend toward being skinny fat, so you hit overweight at a BMI of 23 and obesity at a BMI of 25, whereas the figures for "Europids" are 25 and 30 respectively. Your obesity rate is actually twice that of my own country of Denmark. Sure, you may look skinnier, but you're actually not.

[@justmeagain7]

​@@samvittighedsfuld7586interesting. Could you share the source article, please?

[@samvittighedsfuld7586]

@@justmeagain7 search for "the Asian Pacific perspective: redefining obesity and its treatment". Also search for "Asia-Pacific bmi classification".

[@belisebibi2399]

Yes girl as an African living in Korea, I was shocked when I went to the States for the first time and was shocked by their portions especially in Texas. I had to always ask for a to go box! Also Korean parents teach their kids early about how bad fast foods are. I am always shocked at how kids be saying that “pizza and burgers are yucky and carrots and broccoli is yummy”. By the way you said it all ha ha!! Americano , body profiles, walking, THE PRESSURE!!

[@wxndaz]

what's it like? i've been thinking about visiting korea one day when i travel but i always hear about the racism there

[@rrocketman]

@@wxndaz Youll be fine just be chill😀

[@belisebibi2399]

@@wxndaz It’s okay. As a tourist you will definitely have fun. I live here and it has its ups and downs. Racism is everywhere don’t let it prevent you from seeing the world💗

[@HappyH4ppyHappy]

As a texan...yes our resturants are insane. But thats why I started a garden. nothing like a tomato fresh off the vine.

[@exelrode]

@@belisebibi2399 You make an excellent point, its usually the attitude that ones have that can determine how the experience would be, one should be willing to go out of the comfort zone when they travel to a new country and keep an open mind

[@kovuroo]

I think it's because Koreans care more about how they look and want to stay slim. Of course people everywhere want to stay slim but I think image is a lot more obsessed over in Korea

[@TravelingFoodie22]

Yup. Exactly like she said in many cultures too even in the United States being overweight isn't acceptable. Korean weight standards are a huge reason.

[@kodzuken1016]

Yup, this is the ultimate answer! Like in Korean society, even if they eat burgers and junk food all day, I'm sure they will still find their way to stay thin (like eating just one burger a day or something). It's because of how their society stresses so much on looks that's why! It's actually pretty toxic.

[@Lunatic4Bizcas]

@@kodzuken1016 : Burgers aren't the end all and be all of food. If you're used to a culture with a diversity of food and cuisine; it's easy to bore of redundant meals or basic foods. I myself hardly crave hamburgers and seldom eat them.

[@yulana990]

@@kodzuken1016 How would that be toxic? Sure, the normalization of crash diet is toxic, but thats the case everywhere. Lets also not forget that the world also existed before the internet, and even then Koreans in general were always pretty thin. Even the US didnt even have close to the amount of obesity they do now. Allowing yourself to eat a burger, but realizing it is unhealthy and VERY high in calories and instead opting for just 1 burger in the day is in no way ''toxic''. Its learning what your body needs, and stopping yourself from ruining your health. Research has even shown that in America atleast people have no idea how many calories are in food, and guess 3x less then the actual amount. People obviously have no idea what they are eating, combine that with how unhealthy many in the west eat, and you get a mess. Koreans have healthier foods in general, a good balance of protein and carbs, and seems to more easily understand their caloric needs. The toxic part is the diet culture, which we have everywhere. I'd say its more toxic to normalize binging on food like people are doing in the west, then it is to maybe eat 1 burger in a day and know the limits. Lets also not forget Americans have had trends of wanting to stay slim, like the 90's thinness where people were extremely thin. Yet they still had pretty high obesity rates in the country and overweight rates. This shows that it isnt as simple as a country wanting to ''stay slim'', its the normalization and ease to find junkfood, no education around healthy food, ignoring calories and somehow seeing them as evil, and in general foods that are just high in calories and often lack fiber and especially veggies. Vegetables and fruit add fiber to your diet, help your digestion and also bulk up a meal by a LOT whilst having low cals. Korean diets also use a lot of sauces which do have calories, but because everything else is mainly veggies with some protein mixed in, it still remains well below average american meals. Lets also not ignore that almost all asian countries, including west asia, south asia, east asian and south east asia ALL have on average pretty low obesity rates. Most of these countries have diets where a good balance is provided of protein, vegetables and carbs, and clearly it works. Its not just Korea, and research even has shown that east-asians in specific have naturally lower BMI's. To lump all of these up under ''korean society stresses too much about looks and thats why they are skinny and toxic!" is not only ignorant but also factually incorrect. Y'all need to stop throwing everything under ''korean society toxic'', its getting absurd. Especially if your only example is a burger one, that just proves how koreans seem to know their food limits.

[@livelovely4681]

Yup, many have eating disorders. I don’t know she didn’t include this.

[@ame3335]

11:05 As a Korean, I appreciate you saying this. The real reason why many Korean women are slim is undeniable: it's due to social pressure.

[@denisegrant1871]

Me and my daughter had a Korean friend staying with us during the summer last year in London. He cooked us Korean food every day and I lost weight so I am not surprised by what you are saying.

[@ga5835]

Did you eat less than before bcz it didnt fit you??

[@wackyangel]

this was so interesting to watch and learn about! as someone who has only been and grew up in america, i always noticed the amounts people ate and though it was normalized, i always thought it was too much. if i didn’t finish a huge portion, there was always shame for wasting. and when i did, there was internal shame because i felt awful but my family would congratulate me for finishing it. i grew up in a junk food household and always envied my friends at school who came with a lunch with fruits and vegetables or spoke of having those at their house. as i’ve reached near my adult years, i’ve had the privilege to begin buying my own things and making my own meals. even so, i am now viewed from my family as having an eating disorder because i don’t eat the fattening foods they eat all the time. my family is overweight and always complaining about it, but it is normalized. when i see korean food or meals on youtube, it is simply seen as daily meals, but when i see those meals here, it is seen as dietary. i am aware majority of these issues are in my family and household, but my family became this way because of how it is normalized and not seen as shameful here. i feel bad for them but they don’t see the moral issue, and it is prevalent every time they go grocery shopping. they can’t walk up the stairs due to poor health but they insist on getting junk food delivered to their door. i hope this does not seem weird, but i felt a great amount of relief when i discovered the portions and culture surrounding asia with their diet because i was relieved to find some justification and normalcy with healthy dietary.

[@RoseCece]

There's actually some misconception here.. There are many people in Korea who are overweight too. There are many fried chicken and pizza places with western fast food chain branches in every major metropolis-type subway station.

[@samacsuninjang]

You can understand that not only Koreans but also Asians such as Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and others tend to be thin. This is because Asian diets differ from those in the Western world, with Asians consuming less sugar and oily foods, focusing more on vegetarian options, and having smaller meal portions...

[@celineaurelia]

Asia is bigger than that ... Have you seen Indian food? Malay, Indonesian food are all extremely unhealthy - fatty, oily, greasy

[@hasamahikaru]

Not to mention a lot of asians are open when it comes to talking about weight to a fault. There will always be that one aunt who often comments about your weight during family gatherings lmao From my experience, talking about diet and weight loss is less taboo here compared to talking ab the same topic to westerners.

[@AB-ip2ct]

​@@celineaureliaNo it isn't. Indian food isn't just butter chicken or tikka masala. No one here eats those on a regular basis. Our everyday diet consists of lots of veggies, pulses, legumes & grains/whole grains.

[@celineaurelia]

@@AB-ip2ct sure, your curries say otherwise

[@celineaurelia]

@@AB-ip2ct if not, why are indians generally fat after they get married?

[@Blesseducsurvivor]

This topic is very controversial in the US but in my opinion it does have a lot to do with the diverse cultures and the availability of so many options for people. Genetics also play a role. I have 3 daughters who are all active and we’re raised the same. 2 of them have to watch what they consume and work a little harder to maintain their figures. Plus, one used to be a fitness competitor who competed in 3 competitions so working out and eating healthy she is aware of. My other daughter who is a model has always been thin and can eat whatever she wants and not gain weight. She has to purposefully eat more to gain to not look thin. It’s the same for my 2 sons , one is built stocky and the other is skinny. But both are over six feet. The same goes for me and my husband. Genetics has a big role here. There is so much diversity in our genetics.

[@icingcake]

“Naturally” skinny don’t eat much, as far as I’ve seen.

[@megand6233]

@@icingcake Exactly. The diversity isn't in the metabolism, but in how hungry you are and how much you move/jiggle.

[@icingcake]

@@megand6233 agreed 💯!

[@mama-oi8ny]

Genetics. They are not only skinny. They are short. I worked with Asian people. My boss was a half of head smaller than me. His wife was in the measures like my daughter ih primary school. Very short people. And by the way, Somalians are the one of most tolliest and skinny nation on the World. What they eat?

[@rogelioh3683]

Duh 🙄

[@Off_the_clock_astrophysicist]

My Korean husband uses our oven to store pots and pans. I don't use our oven often, but being of French origin, I like to bake a good cake or bread once in a while. I have to empty out the oven first.

[@ema.gloria]

In Latin America we do the same 😅

[@minho4U]

@@ema.gloriawas going to comment the same thing xD I thought it was something only done in Latino homes

[@caterinasantoro8339]

In Italy too 😂

[@Crystal_Sky_]

Spliting or sharing the food isn't that common in UK or US is a new fact to me. As an asian I grew up ALWAYS sharing food with my friends during lunch time so that we all can taste and have everything, and it also helped not only with our nutrition diet but also taught us the value of sharing.

[@IshtarNike]

Yep. It sounds silly but I do believe use of chopsticks and smaller bowls for servings also has a big impact. The one thing we do talk about is serving sizes here in Euro-America, but it has also been pointed out that eating slower gives your body time to catch up and realise it's full. I have no doubt using chopsticks slows down your eating rate, no matter how good you are with them, because you simply can't shovel food into your mouth the way you can with a fork or spoon.

[@warm_grapes]

Same, but maybe she meant it happens less in the UK/US compared to Korea? In those countries most restaurants assume you are getting your own plate unless you tell them. (Or do it on the down low when the restaurant does not allow sharing) My family and friends share all the time. We would even consult with each other to make sure we are not ordering the same thing. But there is always one guy in our group (usually dad) that say no don't touch my plate and make fun of us for sharing. 😆

[@warm_grapes]

@Carol I think it depends on where you live and the type of restaurant. I'm American and not Asian. All of my friends and family share, but if you look at our table you may not notice. Sometimes only 2 or 3 of us want to share out of the group and sometimes we have divide the food on our own plate and put it on each other's plate. It doesn't look like we are sharing unless you saw us do that.

[@kakaungranduomo2666]

@@IshtarNike Absolutely agree that eating slowly is effective in preventing overweight. But, when was in military, I used chopsticks but always ate much faster than my US colleagues who used forks. Even if use chopsticks, people with rush temper like me eat fast anyway. I almost „drink“ foods.

[@wjebel]

That is true. As an American caucasian male, what's on my plate is mine and I always finish my plate. If someone took food off my plate, it would be like someone trying to kiss my wife in front of me. There would be a problem.

[@르민-z5q]

와 한국인으로서 이 영상의 모든 내용에 동의합니다. 균형있는 시각으로 치우침 없이 잘 설명해주셨네요!!

[@zxmjhm]

i'm originally from America and been living in Seoul for a year and a half now and wow, this video totally hits the nail on the head about everything I've observed here and also stuff I've really been trying to figure out about the average body weight here. because as someone who never lived in places with great Korean food, there's such an abundance of amazing Korean (and non-Korean) food here that you can easily go overboard with due to delivery convenience (chicken, pizza, dakgalbi, budae jjigae, etc.) and I certainly gained weight while I've been living here. but i realized that it was about the actual amounts people are used to eating that makes the difference. basically the average "stomach size" tends to be smaller. that and the abundance of diet culture, and all the other reasons you mentioned. anyways I've learned to enjoy these things in balanced way now. i'm basically just gonna send this video to anyone asking me this very question in the future 😂

[@GlamorousHabits]

Seoul is by far one of my favourite cities I've ever visited! The food is so delicious and healthy, and the small portions are all so well-flavoured and diverse, it's easy to be satisfied quite quickly. Such a clean and organized city as well, very convenient for walking with its underpasses rather than typical crosswalks. I was mesmerized by the efficiency and the flow of seemingly all aspects of city life. I can see how this kind of environment could be so conducive to self-discipline, activity, and productivity. Between the two of us my husband and I saw less than ten people who were overweight, and even then, they were less than 8 or so kilos overweight. It was fascinating. Great video!

[@johnwalker1058]

Same. I feel like their transportation system is an urban planner's dream come true!

[@Srsly0_0]

lets be real.. everyone knows the social pressure of staying thin and attractive is the reason. Just say what it really is. Theres a much darker side to this than just clean eating/living.

[@Sunflowerlovesbees593]

[@lll9409]

Yeah. Being a fatty is a norm in the USA especially South where most people eat corn to get obese. If they ate animal fats, they were not hungry all the time so it's silly food pyramid and idiotic health advice. Nobody is that crazy as American doctors who recommend what companies ask without thinking it through. Juu

[@lll9409]

Yeah. Being a fatty is a norm in the USA especially South where most people eat corn to get obese. If they ate animal fats, they were not hungry all the time so it's silly food pyramid and idiotic health advice. Nobody is that crazy as American doctors who recommend what companies ask without thinking it through.

[@Srsly0_0]

@lll9409 you're absolutely correct. Not sure why you brought up the USA, but I agree.

[@carolyncain617]

Yes part of what you said is true as an American we tend to favor fast ways of preparing meals by buying foods that are already prepared foods laden with salt, sugar and fat. I watched my Great grandmother growing up she would make our meals from scratch. Meals were healthier and tasted so much better. I continued to do the same with my family only buying fast foods as a weekend treat. But Anna Americans tend to be a lot larger than most Asians height wise, muscle mass, etc. we are built way different. I am for example part African and European. I definitely would not fit your one size fit all sizing.

[@jasonhaven7170]

Africans literally have more genetic diversity than the rest of the world combined. Bone sizes are vastly different. You get the shortest people and the tallest people in the world in Africa. I assume you're African-American.

[@NormieNeko]

My lazy American fast food is a salad, lol. That's why I've stayed thin into my 30's.

[@incarosen6343]

I’m from Europe and I grew up living back and forth between the US and my home country, and I find that a lot of what you said about Korean diet holds true for a lot of countries outside of the US. I think western food culture is accepted as the “default” but in my country, we have similar food habits to yours and we don’t really consume a lot of calories. I think something else REALLY important to consider is GENETICS. I think Asian people do have some genetic predisposition to higher metabolisms. A lot of the time, people’s default weights can be a consequence of their genetics, and not necessarily their environment/diet. I do feel bad for people struggling with the social norm of their bodies in Korea, and really do hope they experience self-love and acceptance as part of their journeys.

[@brigc7755]

I also think Korean people have smaller bone structures, as someone who's pretty slim and looks up to the K-beauty standard and body ideal, I find that a lot of, at least models and Idols, have smaller bone structures than mine, so that likely contributes :)

[@StarlightAngel948]

Metabolisms is a key factor and China, Korea and Japan take a lot of green tea, wich is great to faster metabolism and also some seaweeds as nori are very good to improve your metabolism.

[@Dywaw1]

I don't think obesity is self-love

[@incarosen6343]

@@Dywaw1 no matter the journey you’re currently on regarding your body and health, you should *always* love yourself no matter what ❤️

[@MinieAnne]

​@@Dywaw1 and what about underweight 😉

[@oooo-zn2lx]

영어로 진행하는 한인 유튜버들이 (교포와 본토인 모두), 한국문화에 대해 정확히 모르면서 개인적인 식견으로 막 한국문화를 다 알고 대표하는것마냥 말하는걸 많이 봐서 경계했었는데, 이 채널 운영자님은 분석력이 상당하시네요! 이런분이 더 영향력을 끼쳐야 마땅힙니다

[@콩뷰토벨라표르트]

인정.. 부정적인 모습도 제가 말하고 싶었던 것까지 다 말해버렸네요 그리고 외모지상주의 사회에서 살찐 사람은 집 밖으로 잘 나오지도 않는다는 점도 있습니다

[@TravelingFoodie22]

I agree with a lot of this but I do appreciate that you admit that a part of the diet culture in Korea is importance on appearance rather just diet.

[@kanaphan7646]

Don’t they have like the most cases of ano or something ?

[@TravelingFoodie22]

@Kanaphan from what I see but the data is a bit old a lot of south east Asian countries tank in the top 5. SK being I think 4th but Japan 1st. Hong Kong and Singapore also make the list.

[@childeater319]

yess 100% people called my girlfriend fat when i went to korea it was crazy because she is 50kg and 5'0, she's a little overweight but shes been recovering from a very severe case of anorexia and i thought it was so rude for people to be rude about her weight without knowing anything about her.

[@SK-fy8dl]

Yes, there's diet culture, but lifestyle helps, such as walking (most people don't have cars) and healthier meals. Same reasons why Europeans tend to be skinnier than Americans.

[@TravelingFoodie22]

@SK-fy8dl true but just came back from Korea and there a lot of walking and many meals are healthy but I noticed a lot of smokers which isn't healthy and there's access to a lot of street food and many drink alcohol. This was said to me by many native Koreans so I wouldn't say their lifestyle is the best and same for some parts of Europe. Americans can do better but those that care about health and appearance will and those that don't will not. That's my opinion though so we can disagree. Plus loving in the US some states are vast and big and is easier to walk everywhere if you have a good metro system or things are close but that's not feasible in all areas. I prefer metro and public transportation but hard to have where I live.

[@justinenglish_5750]

This is very true. I would add that eating disorders are common and overlooked as normal behaviour. Moreover, genetic plays a huge role in maintening your weight. Abby Sharp, a Canadian dietitian, explained how she has the same weight since she was 17. Some people are like that as some people are naturally a little bit chubbier.

[@thejojojo1111]

When I lived in Korea, I witnessed professional people walking sooo much. It was sooo hard for me to keep up with tje Koreans bc I drove everywhere in the states. I imagine that the average working Korean walks 3 to 5 miles a day just walking up and down the stairs to go through the subway, and to go to work. Now that I have returned to the US, I do the same. I walk everywhere and that is my "gym" time. Picking up that lifestyle has been a wonderful change in my life.

[@ExpeditionAustralia]

“Pop tarts would be considered child abuse in Korea” - I think that’s the essence of it. Koreans cherish quality food and clearly understand the difference between quality and junk. Can’t wait to visit your beautiful country.

[@weiidii]

I'd like to point out that ovens are used for so much more than baking sweets in the US. As much as I love baking desserts, that amounts to about 10% of my oven usage. A lot of the foods you cook on a stovetop can also be baked/broiled/air fryed in an oven, and at least for me, it tends to be healthier if I'm using an oven (I use less oil since I don't worry about it sticking). My favorite healthy snack is just baked veggies. I'm also going to agree with another person who mentioned that the reason Americans tend to eat less healthy has a lot to do with the fact that junk food is cheap. It costs so much less to buy fast food or junk food at a market than to eat a nutritious meal. We also have uneducated preconceptions of what "healthy food" looks like, as well as "healthy" equates to "unappetizing".

[@JulieIelasi-lt7yp]

It's an example she's talking about God, and junk food is all over the world that's no excuse because your American, all Americans are the biggest in the world .

[@tiahnarodriguez3809]

@@JulieIelasi-lt7yp We’re actually not. Several island nations have the highest rates of obesity in the world. America is number 10 on the list followed by the UK.

[@gwynmcc]

Eating healthy should be the focus, but honestly, tone and definition of the muscle is more attractive, than being a skeleton.

[@VxiceheartxV]

its funny you mention the baking, for me personally I never used the oven, BUT learning to use the oven for roasting vegetables has been a huge help in lowering my waistline! It's so easy to toss veggies in a lot of seasonings an throw them in the oven to roast. I hate to cook but since it's easy, now I eat so many more types of veggies, carrots, broccoli, squash, brussels sprouts, and more since I learned to use the oven.

[@lindatran473]

Hi!! Could you share some roast veges recipes if you don't mind? I am starting to learn how to do that, and I hope to learn from you! Thank you!

[@sreeniv09]

Please put recipes, I dont think baking is bad, but most of the time for baking wheat or other flour used and consuming much of those is bad.. Cakes and cookies are high in calories , so basically its not baking but what you bake is bad.

[@Lucid.24]

If you roast the vegetables they lost a lot of their vitamins

[@VxiceheartxV]

@@Lucid.24 its that or not eating them so whatever

[@msushi98]

@@Lucid.24Maybe, but you still get other nutrients (especially fibre that keeps you full and your digestive tract moving along). Plus, for a lot of people cooked vegetables are more palatable than raw - and I’d argue it’s better to eat something you enjoy than something you don’t

[@slavvalb3933]

If you eat real organically grown fruits and vegetables, including meat free if hormones and antibiotics as opposed to ( i.e. in the U.S.) that is enough on its own to be healthy . Anna , the secret to health is of course, be active ! But, eating good quality of food vs artificial one makes all of the difference in the world . Thank you for bringing this topic. As far as public transportation is concern , S. Korea and the U.S . are totally different as day and night !

[@RedPandaNinja6886]

I’m someone who was very slim growing up and into my young adulthood. Then, in the last few years or so I went from being on the low-end of BMI for my height to the high-end, approaching “overweight”. I’ve really wondered why that is, because despite our metabolisms slowing down in our adulthood it still seemed strange to gain that much so quickly while eating a similar diet, especially as I’m only in my mid-twenties. I realized that this change in weight coincided pretty directly with acquiring a car. I went from walking, biking, and taking public transit everywhere, to being able to drive anywhere I wanted to go. A 20 minute walk to a store turned into a 5 minute drive in pretty much every aspect of my life. Realizing just how much activity I cut out of my life was truly eye opening. I’ve been working on ways to try and add that activity back into my life, even if now I need to go on purposeful walks instead of just getting movement in by walking to the store.

[@pronounhoarder_8632]

We have a rule in my family, anything 30 minutes away does not need the car. We’ve always taken nature and park walks for fun as kids (8-10 mile walks). Encouraged to have active hobbies or to have some form of exercise you like to do.

[@theafic3833]

I remember once visiting Japan with my parents, we went to a Starbucks (we wanted to try it out because we didn't have any starbucks in Finland yet). We didn't think much about the sizes of the drinks being "too small" or anything but there was an American tourist complaining to the workers that they have too small portions and how much bigger and better they were in US. Makes me not want to go to an american Starbucks 😂

[@thisnthat7760]

Audcity of some Americans complaining about normal stuffs while in a foreign country. The stupid entitlement is in their viens.

[@nuclearclarity3778]

so long as it’s cheaper in proportion i’d agree, but if it’s the same price i’d want more! 😂

[@chrystianaw8256]

An American was complaining about the portion sizes? How embarrassing

[@sucredulce3572]

@@chrystianaw8256 you know that very “classy” french ppl also complain? Complaining is not exclusive from those horrible “americans”

[@ChristysChannelYall]

@@chrystianaw8256 that’s what I was thinking. Of course it would be the American to do that 🤦‍♀️

[@liptoncunningham6666]

You addressed a couple of structural issues, like poor school lunches and a lack of public transport but there are also many more in the US that are barriers to a healthier lifestyle: - there are huge gaps between classes, which affects your education, and how much time & money you have to spend on your health - Related to the US being a car dependent culture; healthy food is perishable, so you can't store it for long, and it's more expensive. grocery stores are often hard to get to, so people buy a lot of processed and shelf stable food at once so they have one less chore to do for a while. It's also much cheaper to buy in bulk which def contributes to overeating - in many american households, both parents work so meal prep is hard to do - There are places in the US that are called "food desserts" and the only accessible food is pretty much fast food - food lobbying is something that occurs in the govt. I'm simplifying this grossly, but large processed food corporations will entice officials to modify or create laws that make their food easier to create, sell. etc. Healthy food doesn't have this kind of power in the halls of govt in the US. They also have more money to advertise directly to kids - medical care is not easy to come by and there's not a lot of support for people who do end up pre-diabetic or with high cholesterol etc. You have to be educated and pursue things on your own, and that's IF you have healthcare! With all these structural issues, it's no wonder people don't eat well. The US is individualistic so we like to blame individuals for their shortcomings, but they have a lot to work against

[@nikkinnom]

this is said really well

[@liptoncunningham6666]

@@nikkinnom thank you kindly

[@tazwee7223]

Agreed! Perfectly said!

[@liptoncunningham6666]

@@tazwee7223 Thank you very much

[@tehee3631]

Perfectly put!

[@Ykoz2016]

The “halo effect” description made me laugh. Even as an American in Los Angeles who (of course) has witnessed pretty privilege, I have never once saw a conventionally good looking person and assumed they were intelligent. Honestly, if anything, I probably subconsciously (and unfairly) assume the opposite. 😬 I saw that in a video once. They said in Korea people think if you are pretty you are kind. Because you’ve been treated so nicely all your life, and have no reason to be bitter/ mean. That’s the trope/ assumption. But in America (movies/ media etc) pretty girls are spoiled, bratty, entitled and mean (think mean girls). Usually not smart or hardworking because they never had to be. That less attractive girls have better personalities because they had to develop ways to be liked since their looks weren’t great. (Not saying that’s true but it’s a trope) That’s probably why I found it so curious when Koreans add a professional photo / headshot to their resumes. For customer service or sales I get (even if I disagree with that a lot) but accounting? Why would being pretty make you better at accounting? 😂😂😂

[@kodzuken1016]

True, I find that part interesting too... Like usually if someone is like super pretty, I tend to think she probably puts like 80% of her time trying to look pretty, and she's probably spoiled. I'd never relate good looks to like intelligence, professionalism, work ethic, etc.

[@sc33h3o3]

such a stupid broadbrush stereotype. if anything pretty girls are the first in line to be targeted by sociopathic vulture-ish men who depending on the level of beauty don't see them as human, so probably have suffered trauma which would make them more empathetic and kind.

[@LaPingPing]

It's attractiveness bias. It is human nature really, although those who are aware will be able to see through the bias. But it exists. ---------- In general, we seem to associate attractiveness with virtue. This “attractiveness bias” causes people to assume that more attractive people are smarter, saner, more sociable, and more competent than the ugly. Even babies seem to have this bias, being much more willing to pay attention to good looking people than others. Studies also suggest - and this is not much of a surprise - that the attractive are more popular, make more money, and report less anxiety than others. The causes of these outcomes remain up for debate, though one can suppose that the aforementioned stereotypes likely make it easier for them to make friends and secure good jobs. The existence of this bias in hiring is well known and is considered a problem in some circles.

[@Ykoz2016]

@@sc33h3o3 Sure, that’s possible too! But just to be clear, I don’t believe either. I don’t believe pretty people (which is subjective anyway) are smarter or dumber. Nicer or meaner (I’ve met both, equally). Lazy or hardworking. I don’t think any of that’s true. But she mentioned Koreas assume they are automatically wonderful (which I don’t believe either). I was only pointing out the opposite stereotype that has been common in art/ media in my country. I also added that maybe subconsciously I’ve taken on some of those assumptions without realizing. Not because I believe I have, but I know I’m not perfect and it’s possible I have without realizing. But I wasn’t saying the American stereotypes are true. Just to be clear. 👍

[@EVL-xj5vc]

I don’t believe good looking people are smarter. However when I hire people I usually would choose someone who likes to exercise, because it’s true people who exercise regularly have better discipline and more positive attitude.

[@Seoulhawk01]

As an American living in Korea for the last 30 years, I will agree with most of what you have said. But, the number of overweight Koreans has massively jumped over the last ten years. It's a bit crazy because you are also correct about the number of health club maniacs. The number of physical trainers has exploded in recent years.

[@casualsuede]

I agree, when I lived in Korea in the late 90's, a 35% overweight problem in korea would have been news worthy (as a bad thing).

[@layloo5244]

Korea still has the lowest obesity rate in the world or the one of the lowest. And the majority of obese Koreans are male.

[@restlessly12]

I really think it’s because their consumption of processed foods has increased greatly. It’s not as much as in Western nations but I feel like it has increased a lot compared to what it was before.

[@lucyanderson9064]

This is sadly a trend all over the world as healthier countries adopt a more American lifestyle, and eat more processed food. Then they start to have problems with obesity also.

[@yuritarded00]

The number of obese Korean males are twice the number of obese females. Yes the obesity rate in Korea rose but it’s only mainly in the male population more and more Korean females are becoming underweight.

[@helena9305]

When I went to Korea my diet felt so much better, I came home to the UK and raved about how healthy I felt and how clean and organic the food in Korea was - and cheap too! I wish there was more opportunity and convenience to eat like that here.

[@harlequincat]

rice and beans are cheap everywhere, I think

[@eshna2012]

The thing I found though, and I do think this will change as more Koreans get exposed to foreigners, is that Koreans don’t understand other body types, so I could eat healthy and have an active lifestyle, but I’m still likely to be seen as lazy and not taking care of myself because, even healthy fit, I weigh considerably more than the average Korean woman.

[@202cardline]

Yeah low-key thinking about how one of my brothers would be considered fat or chubby because that boy is a miniature Micheal B. Jordan. He sinks to the bottom of the pool because he's pure muscle. But he's waaaay thicker than what we'd call skinny, and he's also not dehydrated so he's not looking like the cover of a magazine 24/7. I think this is the case for most black people being compared to Korean standards! And even white western standards if we're being honest.

[@ahmudbrr4940]

Koreans/ Asians tend to be " skinny fat". They appear skinny but have higher percentage of visceral fat and lower muscle mass than for example Caucasians or black people. Their diet is high is carbs or not so good carbs

[@miav7160]

Agreed. Overall, I rather live in a country that accepts all body types. I’m all about eating clean and smaller portions but I find countries like Korea to be too strict on beauty standards.

[@junenam145]

Koreans can tell the difference between fat and muscle too. It’s not always only skinny = acceptable. Koreans also can understand that different ethnicities have different bone structures.

[@제롬레이몬드시몬]

이 영상의 아쉬운점은 식단이 건강하다는것과 외모신경쓰는것 때문이라고 하는데요, 제일 중요한 원인이 없는게 좀 아쉽네요. 사실 한국사람들이 외모보다 제일 많이 신경쓰는건 당뇨입니다. 대부분 단 음식을 먹을때 살쪄서 외모가 나빠질거야~ 라고 생각하기보단 먹기만해도 혈당오를거같아. 하고 당뇨걱정을 대부분 하죠. 사실 외모신경쓴다고 저런다는건 한국에서는 트렌디한 인식은 아닌거 같습니다. 한국인들의 췌장크기는 외국인들에 비해 작고 외국음식의 보편화로 인해 20,30대 당뇨는 엄청나게 빨리 증가하고 있죠. 심지어 한국은 고탄수화물 식단이 많아서 당뇨에 더욱 취약합니다. 외국인들이 먹는것만큼 한국인이 먹고 뚱뚱해진다면 그 한국인은 당뇨에 걸려서 이미... 이세상에 없을 확률이 클 정도입니다. 외국인들은 한국인보다 큰 췌장크기를 가지고 있기 때문에 그만큼 뚱뚱해도 잘 사는거고요. 한국인들이 날씬해보인다는건 그냥 한국인들은 외국인만큼 뚱뚱한 체형을 유지할수있는 췌장기관이 뒷받침 되어 있지 않아요. 한국인들이 다이어트 식단이 다양한건 살이 찌지 않아야지 건강에 적신호가 안오기 때문입니다. 한국에서 살다보면 외모보다는 당뇨신경쓰는 한국인이 훨씬 많을걸요. 일부 근육량 줄어든다는 헬스광인들 빼고 평범한 사람들 중에서요.

[@flocontour9682]

As a 'westerner' it is easy to want to claim that genetics plays a big role. Of course we want that to be true. Certainly genetics plays some role, but not as big as most want to believe. In the US we have a food industry. The primary goal of any industry is profit. Humans are genetically predisposed to seek out high calorie foods such as sugar. It was just more efficient. Find that small thing with big calories. We really love sweet. If one looks at the contents of most industrial produced food in the west, sweeteners are nearly always a generous percentage of the ingredients. And, portions are way too big. If one were to take dinner plates in the US from 50 or more years ago and compare them with dinner plates now - they are much smaller. The food industry has no responsibility toward its customers as to health. One thing Anna did not mention is the long tradition in Korea to think of food as closely connected to health, even at times medicinal. The Korean relationship with food itself is somewhat different than that of westerners. She is definitely right about movement. The western, especially American, relationship with the automobile is toxic when it comes to one's health. She is also right - more calories in than used, the amazing 'machine' will store them------- as fat. It is very simple. The kicker is, simple is not always easy!

[@flocontour9682]

All this being said, the idea of a 'beauty standard' is about as toxic to a human as it can get. The idea of being healthy is a better standard. Weight is certainly part of being healthy.

[@icingcake]

Exactly

[@stevanboi5980]

also, to add to this, GENETICS ARE NOT DESTINY! if that was the case, maybe a person with genetic predisposition to diabetes might as well just make it happen by eating more sweets instead of having doctors help them reduce that harm and accommodate their genetic difference there are people predisposed to certain addictions who actually avoid their triggers because they know their bodies very well

[@marinafrisca1884]

hi anna, thanks for making this video. i used to live in Korea when i was a dispatcher and i was losing around 6-8kg during my 1 year stay just because i eat lots of korean food and walk a lot during commuting. i think those 2 are the factors. u tend to walk a lot because u used the public transportation a lot and it was like a culture too i guess, u guys walk a lot and that contributes to like minimum 6K steps / day :)

[@Entropic_Alloy]

Diets are one major factor, but I still feel like cultural ostracization is the biggest factor. Because you hyped up the food, but there is a LOT of unhealthy traditional Korean food, too. But the social ridicule of being overweight in East Asia is so damaging compared to anywhere else, to the point of women probably having undiagnosed anorexia. I also find it funny that a Korean mother would consider a pop tart child abuse, given the RAMPANT mental and emotional trauma they inflict on their children, and then they laugh about it with their Korean mom friends.

[@FoxxyMoxxy13]

As a Hispanic saw my entire family struggle with being over weight and your statement “eat less, burn more” is the mentality I had bc I didn’t want to be overweight like them and it led me to a ED. It sounds simple but it not that simple especially when no one around you eats “healthy whole food” but I do think all your points are valid

[@BEIQ-ok2mh]

Hey, hope you’re feeling better today ❤️

[@angiebrown6252]

I agree with you this is video is toxic and why young girls have eating disorders.

[@rafiawaseem9003]

I,m so sorry, hope you feel more confident about your body.❤

[@estherkang]

Of course it's never that simple, which is why she's speaking on Koreans being slim, since we do tend to eat more healthy whole foods as a family. Don't place your standards and life experiences next to different cultures if it leads to anything detrimental as everyone has different life experiences and cultural values, and I hope you can overcome and heal from your past trauma. Best of luck.

[@FoxxyMoxxy13]

@@estherkang that’s exactly why I clarified our culture differences, and said I do think all her points are valid. From my experience when I was struggling, I would have just heard that part and the rest would have went in one ear and out the other. So I wanted to clarify that part for the random person who maybe needed to read that and take a breather and re watch her video and understand her points. Once again I still think all her points.

[@Steph3333able]

I absolutely LOVED this video. I was born in the US and live in the US. I've struggled with obesity my entire life. Literally since I was 13 years old. When I began having health issues in my early 30's, I started looking into what I was eating and my activity. We Americans have horrible diets. That has been the most difficult thing to overcome. It's not necessarily my own mentality. I want to eat healthy and be active. However, everyone around me thinks I'm crazy for eating the way that I do. The other factor is that so many think that just because it's on the shelf it's okay to eat. I'm hoping that one day this changes. Whole foods are the way to go in my opinion. Perhaps I should adopt a Korean diet.

[@MystiqueRisingSun]

Go for it! Start with the basic, simple, recipes first. Admittedly, depending on where you are in the U.S., some of the ingredients for Korean dishes can be hard to find, but it's worth it once you do (*cough*Amazon*cough* - fair warning, it can be pricey, to start - especially the traditional sauces/mixes, but it's not like you'll use a whole tub/bottle/packet of something for one serving). It's so good and so filling, yet you can actually eat quite a lot without worrying about the calories as much. Just remember to get active. Join a gym, buy a bicycle, or just walk...whatever works best for you. YOU GOT THIS!!!

[@mcantu197]

Traditional food in most Asian countries is just more healthy than in the West. It's pretty common for people to move from Korea or Japan to the US and gain 15 pounds in a year

[@MinieAnne]

Hm when you say the west i think you mean america cause literally every European say the same when visiting america

[@kimhuongtran5681]

But losing weight doesn't equal having a good health. I had eating disordered and I always fixated on the idea of overcompensating for the amount of calories I consumed. "You can eat whatever you like as long as you stay calorie deficit", that's what they said. And my fragile mind got obsessed with the numbers. Every waking moment of my life, I cannot focus on anything other than food. And even though I lost weight, the consequences that I have to suffer until this day is totally Regrettable. My hormones are all messed up, my blood cholesterol is high due to thyroidism which is also caused by the messed up hormones. My hair has been falling out, my nails became worse. I lost my menstruation for a long time and it took a toll on my mood, my stamina. So, I agree that we should keep a balanced diet, but obsessing over the calories in and calories out is nowhere near healthy.

[@만다린덕]

아나님 영상 처음 봤는데 목소리랑 악센트가 너무 너무 매력적이시네요... 민감할 수 있는 주제를 다양하지만 너무 멀리가지 않으며 다뤄주셔서 즐겁게 감상했습니다!

[@puurfectlysplendid]

I'm Japanese and I agree with everything what she described. I moved to the US recently, and I find it hard to stay active the whole day. When I was in Japan, when you have plan with friends or family, you typically commute about over an hour or sometimes 2 hours walking, transporting, just so that you can see them, but I never thought that is something hard because everyone is doing the same thing and I'm used to grow up in that kind of environment. In fact, it made me stay more active because your phone tells (I believe most of the smartphones nowadays have health app, I just put it on my home screen at all time) you how much you walked for the day which encouraged me to skip few stations so I can get more steps and such. Also agree with girls talk about diet and health a lot more often in Asia. You literally see when your friends struggling to lose weight here and there and often see the progress pretty fast, that encourages you to stay active as well.

[@halomiz3119]

Thanks for that. Just got back from my first visit to Korea, and have to say, I feel healthier than when I left. I'm in my 60s and unproudly "obese" like so many Americans. There were clothing items I didn't take with me because they didn't fit, but did fit by the time I returned. I'll try to keep up the walking and healthy eating, and tone down the beer and soju so that I am 할머니 thin for my next trip!

[@dudie5403]

The difference between US and Korean portion sizes must be gigantic. Never been to the US but I'm from The Netherlands and everyone I know who has been to the US told me even their small portions are huge compared to Dutch portion sizes. And when I went to Korea I found the portion sizes a bit small. So we sometimes ordered extra. Like ordering for 4 people when we where with 3 and such. I felt I ate a lot during my trip to Korea but I also lost weight because I was active all day. Walking up and down hills, many stairs etc etc.

[@kodzuken1016]

I'm asian and I live in the US. Whenever I go out to eat I usualy ask for a to-go box and split the meal into two, so I can have the second half the next day or something. So the portion size is like 2 meals combined into 1.

[@inkyami7719]

When I was studying in US, me and my roommate from Japan had a habit of always splitting food, because it felt like a bucket-size half the time.

[@CC-px6ik]

@@kodzuken1016 Yup, same here.

[@jasonhaven7170]

Stop eating so much.

[@ChristysChannelYall]

I’m American and have lived in the U.S. my whole life. I’m a small woman and find our portion sizes to be RIDICULOUS. I can literally get 3 meals from one restaurant meal. It is just nuts! And if you ask for a child’s meal or a half portion they get an attitude with you. I’m like okay, better order something I love because I’m going to be eating it for the next 3 days.

[@slavvalb3933]

Well, great topic! Can I please comment one more time ? There are many variables that might be counterproductive to one's body weight . Saying that one is lazy that is why one is overweight is like saying you are short because you are lazy. Does it make any sense ? Ok here are the variables that can adversely effect one's s weight : metabolism, genetics, quality of food, ongoing stress, chronic illness and medication that one takes to basically stay alive. Btw, some of these medications' side effect is weight gain. I prefer not to judge people without knowing the facts why they are certain way. Making erroneous assumptions without knowing the facts is morally incorrect.

[@TravelingFoodie22]

True. I am a size 10/12 which by sk standards is obese. Even when I was a size 6 I'd be obese but as I am older weight loss isn't as quick or easy. Many family members are overweight so there is genetics also against me. However, while to some I may look "lazy" I eat right 90% counting macros, I have no medically health issues and u go to the gym 5 days a week and walk daily. Meanwhile I know people who do none of that but are naturally skinny bc of their metabolism.

[@MINJUNEI]

2:59 a few months ago, a girl on twitter said the same thing and got cancelled lol