U.S. Lifestyles Blamed for Obesity Epidemic Sweeping Mexico

Ah, exporting American culture to the third world…aren't we introducing fast food to Iraq, too?

Latin American countries succumb to fast food and sedentary behaviour

(snip)

Usually associated with the developed world, obesity is now an epidemic sweeping much of Latin America, with Mexico among the worst affected, along with Chile and Peru.

(snip)

Experts say the health problems of traditional Mexican fare have been vastly exacerbated by the invasion of relatively inexpensive industrially produced food. American fast food restaurants became fixtures in the 1990s, and today it is often easier to find a bag of crisps than a banana even in the remotest jungle village.

Household expenditure on fruit and vegetables fell by over a quarter between 1986 and 1998, while over a third more was spent on soft drinks.

Urbanisation has only made things worse. Those who can afford cars would rather wait in valet-parking queues outside restaurants than leave their vehicle a block away and walk. The majority, obliged to take public transport, often demand that buses drop them off at their own street corner.

more…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/food/Story/0,2763,1016230,00.html

Kill our enemies with heart attacks and diabetes!