Why The Japanese Are Eight Times Skinnier Than Americans

LifestyleDiningWhy The Japanese Are Eight Times Skinnier Than AmericansByAkiko Katayama,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Akiko Katayama covers Japanese food and culture. Follow AuthorMay 08, 2026, 08:00am EDTOver head view of young children eating their school lunch at preschool in JapangettyFood is a source of contradiction in American life. While it brings pleasure, entertainment and convenience, it is increasingly a cause of guilt. We worry about eating too much, particularly unhealthy food. We often use food as a remedy for stress.The consequences are visible in obesity statistics. According to 2022 data from the Global Obesity Observatory, the United States ranked #19 globally in adult obesity, with a rate of 42.74%, while childhood obesity stood at 20.54%. Japan, by contrast, ranked #191 in adult obesity at 5.57%, with childhood obesity at just 4.32%.Japan's adult obesity rate is nearly one-eighth of the US rate; the children's rates are similarly far apart.Akiko KatayamaThe gap is striking.Conventional explanations often focus on structural differences. For example, Japan’s vegetable-rich, low-fat diet and smaller portion size are major contributors. Also, well-developed, reliable public transportation systems naturally incorporate physical activity into daily life.But the more fundamental reason for the low obesity rate is Japanese people’s relationship with food itself.In Japan, food is traditionally viewed not as a subject of consumption, but something you should receive with gratitude. MORE FOR YOUIf you sit next to a Japanese person at a table, he or she will say “Itadakimasu” before starting to eat. It is an expression of appreciating gifts of nature and the hard work of those who prepared the meal. After eating, they say “Gochisosama”, offering thanks once again.With gratitude, you pay attention to food and taste it mindfully. It might take a little longer to eat, but your brain detects a serie...