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Thank you for coming along on learning more about YOU, and how your next decades can become your NEXT BEST DECADES.
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otto@empirelongevity.com  Thank you.
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OUR LONGEVITY ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK OFÂ FEBRUARY 26TH, 2025: Â
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Why Is Japan So Much Thinner Than the U.S.?
Why are Japanese people—men and women, adults and children—so much thinner on average than people in the United States?
Take a look at this website: World Obesity Data. If those numbers don’t make you pause for a moment and ask, What is going on?, then we need to take a deeper look.
Let me be clear: this isn’t about shaming individuals. This is about shining a bright light on a massive problem in America—one that has been ignored by government leaders for decades.
According to the data:
Nearly 43% of U.S. adults are classified as obese, ranking 19th out of 200 countries.
Nearly 21% of U.S. children are obese, ranking 22nd out of 200.
In contrast, 5.57% of Japanese adults are obese, ranking 191st out of 200.
4.32% of Japanese children are obese, ranking 164th out of 200.
The U.S. consistently ranks among the highest for obesity among high-income nations, while Japan ranks among the lowest. So, let’s ask the hard question: Why?
The Role of Nutrition & Food Policy
Is it because the U.S. lacks nutritionists or dietitians to oversee what we eat? No. Is it because Americans don’t have access to nutritional information? No. Is it because we don’t have government agencies regulating food safety? Absolutely not.
Yet, we still have one of the highest obesity rates in the world. Why?
School Lunches: A Crucial Difference
Let’s take a look at school lunches—because if we want to make a lasting impact on public health, we have to start young. Habits formed in childhood are far easier to maintain than those changed in adulthood.
In Japan, school lunches are designed by professional nutritionists to ensure that meals meet government nutritional standards. These meals are not just “cheap and filling”—they are specifically crafted to support children’s growth and long-term health. Nutrition education is also an integral part of school life, teaching kids why their food choices matter.
Compare that to the U.S., where school meals often prioritize cost over nutrition. I have personally given talks in local school districts and shown school administrators what their students are eating for breakfast—meals that meet New York State guidelines but are still nutritionally inadequate. It often seems that an accountant, not a nutritionist, is designing our kids’ meals.
What Sets Japan Apart?
Here’s what makes Japanese school lunches different:
Meals are made on-site, often from scratch.
They include seasonal vegetables and fruits.
They feature balanced portions of soups, rice, fish, meat, and other whole foods.
Tea and milk are standard beverages—not sugary drinks.
They are affordable.
Imagine if more U.S. communities repurposed abandoned buildings into indoor farms, growing fresh vegetables year-round. Imagine schools involving students in growing and harvesting food, giving them a real stake in their own nutrition. It’s possible—it just takes a shift in priorities.
Sugar: The Hidden Culprit
One of the easiest ways to gain weight is through sugar consumption—and the American diet is packed with it. Even something as simple as store-bought bread contains 2–3 grams of sugar per slice. By contrast, when I bake bread at home, I add just a pinch of sugar to activate the yeast—nothing more.
More Gyms, Yet Worse Health?
Here’s a surprising statistic: America has far more gyms per capita than Japan.
U.S.: One gym for every 8,218 people
Japan: One gym for every 27,124 people
If access to gyms was the key to health, shouldn’t Americans be in better shape? But the issue isn’t exercise—it’s lifestyle and diet.
It’s Not Genetics—It’s Learned Behavior
Humans haven’t drastically changed genetically in 40,000 years. Our obesity crisis isn’t about genes—it’s about lifestyle. The way we eat, move, and engage with food is a learned behavior. And if it’s learned, it can be unlearned.
If we truly want a culture of longevity, we must:
Adopt the habits of the longest-living populations.
Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods over processed convenience foods.
Teach children about nutrition from a young age.
Can Change Be Hard? Yes. But Is It Worth It? Absolutely.
Shifting our culture toward health will require effort, but the benefits—lower healthcare costs, longer lifespans, and a better quality of life—far outweigh the challenges.
We can do this. And if you’re wondering where to start, I’m happy to help. Email me at otto@empirelongevity.com, and let’s set up a Zoom call to discuss how we can make lasting change—starting now.
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-Dr. Otto Janke, Chief Pilot
Empire Longevity
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LONGEVITY IS YOU DOING DAILY HEALTHY THINGS.
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There is no one single bullet to make your longevity a reality. It takes small steps done every day, consistently for years. Yes, it seems daunting, but the benefits are outrageous. - Dr. J.
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