The Telegraph
London, UK
4 september, 2006



The famed good health and longevity of Japanese in Okinawa, which has the highest concentration of centenarians in the world, is under threat from a rapid increase in obesity caused by adoption of western lifestyles.

The Okinawan islands, in Japan's extreme southwest, have more than two and a half times the national average of people over 100 years old and an extraordinary number of people who enjoy excellent health well into their eighties.

But the next generation is the fattest in Japan and prone to a range of obesity-related illnesses that could kill them in middle age.

Experts blame the gusto with which Okinawa took to fast food when the island was administered by the US, from the war until 1972. It got the first fast-food outlet in Japan — in 1963, seven years before Tokyo — and still has more fast-food outlets per head than anywhere else in the country.

Some fear that the "Okinawan Crisis" may presage what could happen all across the country as young people abandon fish and soy products for meat and fast food.

Dr Hideaki Tanaka, of Naha, the islands' capital, has long warned about the threat. "I consider this the second Battle of Okinawa. Our island was invaded during the Second World War and now we are suffering a cultural invasion.

"In both cases, it is happening here first and is a warning of what mainland Japan can expect," he said.

In an attempt to halt the process, the mayor of Naha has from this month begun to offer certificates of achievement and gym discount tickets to successful dieters.

"Research shows that Okinawans consume more fat, smoke more and drink more than the average Japanese. We use cars instead of walking or cycling," said Yoko Asato, a spokesman for the local health department.

"The city aims in giving awards is to raise awareness of the obesity problem and encourage people who want to lose weight."

The traditional diet in Okinawa was deemed even healthier than that of mainland Japan, with more edible seaweeds, higher protein content and nutritious local produce, such as goya, a bitter vegetable rich in anti-oxidants. But Okinawa has dropped that diet faster than anywhere else.

Experts say that the generation that grew up eating American food is now reaching middle age overweight and at risk from diabetes. Almost 30 per cent of Okinawan men die before reaching 65, and nearly half of men in their forties are obese.

In the census of 1995, Okinawa had the highest longevity of all 47 prefectures of Japan. By 2000, it was 26th. As the oldest generation dies, longevity will fall.

Dr Tanaka said: "When people reach 99 we have celebrations and take commemorative photographs. Often we can see the 99-year-old next to his grandchildren who will be overweight. The great-grandchildren will be healthy.

"The son isn't there because he is dead."


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/m...04/ixhmain.html

Why is it always diet?

Weren't we also the ones who "sit down" the most or use the most air conditioning?

And don't forget we also don't get enough sleep!