Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Freedom Fries Fattening French

Celebrated food culture struggles to resist import of American obesity

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 20, 2007 5:15 PM CDT

(Newser) – Freedom Fries be danged, French waistlines are taking a decidedly American curve: As fast food and bigger portions invade, some 42% of the famously foodie nation's population is clocking in as either overweight or obese. But officials say don't let them eat cake, predicting US-level obesity if the trend isn't reversed within a few years, the LA Times reports.

And not only do French women get fat, they have less time to cook and perhaps even less know-how. "If we do nothing, in a few years the French will be as fat as Americans," said a consumer advocate. Many believe that regulation is necessary to contain the food market's push towards sugary, fattening products.

eclaire
eclaire   ((c) stu_spivack)
A sign with the well-known golden arches hangs on a McDonalds restaurant. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
A sign with the well-known golden arches hangs on a McDonalds restaurant. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)   (Associated Press)
French Fries
French Fries   (Getty Images)
Tour Eiffel
Tour Eiffel   ((c) eNil)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

French Turning Into Les Chubbies

Populist Rage Fades With Hardee's 'French Dip'

Let Them Eat Fast Food

LA Eyes Ban on New Fast Food Outlets

A Big Mac by Any Other Name Is Not as Tasty


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne