Just as I started to read this thread, the very news story you speak of came on on the "Today" show. I stopped reading and watched the segment. They went on to say:
Fast food is not the only "ingredient" in the overweight epidemic in China. Much of it has to do with their booming economy, their only one child policy and more emphasis placed on academics instead of physical activities.
Booming economy - the more financial success - the more one indulges in all things.
One child policy - this one child is spoiled - especially the boys - and the story said there are more overweight boys than girls.
Academics - more time spent sitting and studying - less time for physical activity.
As for Americans who have the nutritional information for fast food - it's denial. You know the numbers, but choose to ignore them, rationalizes in your mind it won't hurt your body. These foods made with grease, flour and sugar are addicting to someone who needs the "comfort" these foods bring for them - just like alcohol, smoking and street drugs do for others.
And I'm not so sure about cigarettes. I think the Chinese were smoking long before America was discovered....
