The French have become larger but bigger!

The French have become larger but also bigger, according to an article published in the letter "L @ Minute Nutrition"
. An average of 162.5 cm / 62.4 kg (size 38-40)
In 2003, the French Clothing Industries (UFIH) Union launched a major campaign measurement, in order to adjust the sizes of clothing considered inappropriate to new forms of French. More than 11,500 men and women aged 5-70 years were thus measured in 37 sites.

The report is severe: the French are certainly become larger, but bigger! 30-year-old women increased from 160.4 cm to 162.5 cm, 60.6 kg to 62.4 kg and a size 38 to a 40. At the same time, the men rose from 170.1 cm to 175.6 cm and 72 kg to 77.4 kg.

In addition to the widespread discontent among French who no longer find clothes that fit these data will lead to changes in many other areas such as the size of the seats of private cars and public transport, the heights of tables and chairs or lengths beds.

Size model: a model not to follow
A study published in "Information Diet" shows that all models have a BMI (Body Mass Index, ratio of the weight of the square of height) below the norm. The ten young Parisian studied (aged 19-26 years) weighed 55 kg for 1.78 m average (BMI 17.4 kg/m2). Their was clearly inadequate dietary intake, estimated between 500 and 1,700 kcal per day, compared to their needs, in the order of 2200 kcal per day.

Many dietary errors have been observed: skipped meals, deficiencies in protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, minerals, including calcium. Six out of ten had irregular or no rules.

In addition, the majority of these young women totally unaware of the risks that made them run their eating behavior. The authors of this study believe that these results are not anecdotal, but reflect the behavior of many young girls who dream of having or keeping the model size.

Obesity: a marked increase
Contrary to the image conveyed by the models in magazines or advertisements picture, French weight is increasing. The latest figures from the survey ObEpi are sounding the alarm. As a reminder, in 2003, there were 41.6% of French overweight with 11.3% obese.

This finding encourages the authorities to increase the nutritional communication campaigns, but the recommendations are sometimes misunderstood. The gap between a certain reality and the ideal weight that search a large number of girls leads to confusion and can promote the development of various eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia).