I hate to break this news but it’s not just the ultra-processed foods anymore. Our produce has been modified to be less nutrient dense and heartier/resistant to disease. We all know about what has been done to the conventional meat supply as well. It all leads to inflammation. You could have your weight fairly under control in the US but still be “puffy” and inflamed. Go on vacation to Europe - it all goes away. Their wheat is even different there. Europeans move here and suddenly can’t digest wheat products but had no issues in Europe.
It is terrifying! We were just in Europe and bought our son Haribo candy. We held them side by side with the ones you buy in the US and the colors are far less bright and fake than the US versions. Even the processed foods there are better.
OMG that's fascinating! I think that whole question of side-by-side comparisons is chilling: supposedly the same brand, but completely different product. I've seen some of this on YouTube. Yikes.
I’m fortunate to never have a problem with my weight, but I noticed (from how my clothes fit) that I gained several pounds since I arrived in the U.S. Not only from ultra-processed food though, because I try to avoid these, but from all the sugar in the food. Everything tastes sweet here, is dipped in honey. Even mustard and meat sauces. And eating sugar makes one crave sugar. Looking forward to leaving all that sweetness behind again soon.
I think it also has a lot to do with car culture. Even as a time-limited tourist, the first thing you notice is how much easier to walk to shops, restaurants, theater, etc. than it is my American suburban enclave where it feels impossible to live without a car unless you become a hermit and have things delivered to you. Humans were meant to walk!
Oh so very very true! We find this soooo frustrating. Walking is something "optional" -- you CAN do if you want or if you make a great effort. It is not part of the everyday lifestyle AT ALL. But yes, humans were meant to move!
Yes! I came here to say this. I lost heaps of weight when I lived in Japan and Slovakia despite eating voluminously - the big difference being no car! Australia (at least where I live) is similar to many parts of the US in this way, very car-oriented. Sadly also similar with the ultra-processed food which I’m sure you’re right Is also a big part of it!
The other difference in Europe is the difference in their fast food. You can eat a healthy meal or snack at travel stations, our equivalent of gas stations, including fresh fruits and vegetables and yes, variety. The US has myriad of fast food drive thru options and even the dine in quality may be ultra processed. While traveling in Europe, it was great to get a tasty meal like a bowl of soup, a healthy sandwich, to a healthy plated meal and not just fried chicken, burgers, and fries. Agree, there is a lot to this story!
Yes, we've noticed this too. I wonder how of us this is supply and demand. I know that when Dollar Stores started added "fresh produce" selections, local communities mostly didn't buy it. At some point, the cravings for processed food overwhelm your personal choices.
Excellent article. I’m a big proponent of regular cardiovascular exercise, and I’m sure that’s another factor, and as nomads I’m sure you both do lots of walking. I would say certain areas of the U.S. are far worse than others re ultra-processed foods and lack of exercise. I travel inside the U.S. a lot and it’s extremely difficult to find healthy eateries in rural areas and the South. In Mississippi and Tennessee last year, it was nothing but fried, fried, fried. (Mixed in with all the Dollar General stores.)
Thank you! Yes, but when we're back in America, it becomes HARD to walk. It's an "optional" activity, not something essential and everyday -- because you need to pick up or bread or want to go meet friends for coffee.
We've noticed that too about different geographic areas, and the food of people very much changes too. In South Dakota, the only green vegetables in some markets was iceberg lettuce. Will never for get that.
I’ve been talking about this to anyone who will listen the few years after working with a functional nutritionist who identified some food intolerances with my teens who were having all sorts of health issues that their own pediatricians weren’t connecting to food. We travel to Europe and New Zealand frequently and even my picky eater going adult children who noticed how different they feel when eating overseas. Even when eating “junk food” in NZ and Western European, their food intolerances (corn, soy and dairy - the American trifecta of unnecessary added ingredients) don’t lead to flare ups. And they notice the food just tastes fresher (if only I said it, they wouldn’t normally believe me 🙄). Alas, while my children hold triple citizenship with the US, NZ and Ireland, I have to be satisfied nomading my way through places with better food.
LOL, I feel your pain, re: kids. But yeah, the "fresh" thing is obvious. And also how much more quickly food SPOILS outside of America. But -- duh! -- that's a good thing! It's telling us something important, that the food is real.
That is FASCINATING about food intolerances. Michael (who is lactose intolerant) should pay attention to this.
Yeah, we do A2 milk and yogurt in the US, and it’s my understanding that the A2 dairy is more standard in Western Europe and so it may not even be labeled as much. I’ve read some about the dairy differences between there and here. Our cows are different in some way but I don’t remember all of the science behind it.
Every time I visit the U.S. for a few weeks, I instantly feel bloated after eating anything—an apple, an egg, a nut, just about anything! While I don’t love hearing that this happens to others, it’s oddly comforting to know it’s not just my body reacting this way. It seems to be a common experience for people who’ve been living outside the U.S. and then reintroduce themselves to foods that are, straight up, essentially toxic. It’s crazy!
We’re currently in Puerto Vallarta, though on the outskirts. It requires a 40 minute to get to most places — and we don’t care! We’re happy to include the walk as part of our day and consider it part of our exercise. Anything to avoid the hell of owning a car and routinely being stuck in traffic.
This is an emotional and difficult topic for me. I've struggled with weight loss all my life. Then, after only 5 months into our nomadic journey, upon a return from Europe, I had lost 20 pounds. Yay for lifestyle changes. But after 14 months in Asia, I returned heavier, and after six months in Michigan and Kentucky, I was 20 pounds heavier than I had been when I returned, victorious, from Europe. I started the dreaded calorie counting in September and have lost 17 pounds since. But today I consulted with a specialist in Kuala Lumpur about trying a medication to assist me. You see yes, for the most part, leaving the U.S. does result in weight loss, but after so many years of punishing my body, the additional walking has also resulted in problems with my hip and knee. So I think I need to do more to lose weight. It is a fact that women have more trouble losing weight than men (see Cleveland Clinic, for example, on this topic). My husband seems to think about weight loss and it happens, especially outside the U.S. Your post is very well-written but maybe not quite as nuanced as my life as been on this topic. But a good focus on an important issue.
Hi Kim: All great comments! Thanks for chiming in -- very much appreciate the additional perspective, especially on gender.
I think weight loss drugs are complicated, but I'm still glad the option exists for people. Feels like a better choice than surgery (which I also don't judge but seems riskier).
20 years ago I hosted 3 exchange students over a 3 year period, each one from a different country (Mexico, South Korea, and Albania) and every single one of them almost immediately gained 20 pounds after being here. In fact, in the paperwork they are given on arrival it warns them that they are likely to gain around 20 lbs., but not to worry since they will lose it once they go back home.
I'm still waiting for my chance to leave the US (I currently have obligations), but I'll be curious to see if I lose some weight!
I am originally French and now lives in the U.S. and I still do not understand why Americans have still not made the link between their weight and the quantity of food they eat, in addition to your point about processed food. It’s obvious when you see the size of meals and drinks served overseas vs in the U.S. We follow a Mediterranean diet and home cook a lot so we are still fit, even while living in the U.S. so it’s possible to stay fit in America but you have to break from the usual diet and prepare your home meals with fresh products. The other major factor is the mobility issue…in Europe, people walk everywhere while in the U.S., using a car is necessary in most areas. Convenience (prepared food and car transportation) is the worst enemy of staying healthy and fit!
There is an app called YUKA that tells you if a product is healthy or not based on additives, sugar and chemical agents. You just need to scan the bar codes with your phones and you know immediately if the product is rated green (good) or red (to be avoided). And food manufacturers are now modifying their products to improve the ratings of their products as the app is becoming very popular in many countries. The app is FREE and works in the U.S.!
I genuinely think that the vast majority of Americans don't know any other way. Culture is a big deal! (When I am in Europe, I often think, "Don't more people realize how bad smoking is for their health?" But America is different in that regard too -- better, for once.)
I also lost fifty pounds after leaving the United States, and also regained some during our 9 month stint back. Now that we are in Albania again, it’s slowing coming off. 113% it’s all about the food quality. Every time we meet an American expat, nomad, or tourist, they can’t stop talking about the difference in food quality between my national origin, and Europe.
Our family immigrated to Europe 2.5 years ago... I think a lot of these ideas are spot on and the other thing, is my nervous system is calmer here and in turn, feel like my body, not constantly flooded with high levels of cortisol, works better. That and I do a lot of errands by foot and those little choices add up. I notice how much better apples taste here - most things taste better, but almost every time I bite into an apple, it's just a more enjoyable experience and for goodness sakes' they are also not MONSTER sized. The apples they sell in the US - even organic ones - I just don't understand why/how they are so big.
Wonderful! Yes, I completely COMPLETELY agree. For me, life is, hands down, way better in Europe -- well, anywhere outside of America. But priorities are different, I guess. Many folks would rather have the big television, big house, and big yard.
The genetic variance of apple. Lady Studeley's something or other is a taster's dream btw. There are apple seed banks for heritage varieties in many countries I believe.
Anecdotally i go eat like 10 plates of pasta in Italy and gain 0 pounds haha. But I also remember some research done on the health of Mexicans after they moved to the US and the health of Mexicans in Mexico after NAFTA was put in place - the "NAFTA Diet" - unsurprisingly both groups gained weight and had worse health outcomes in general. pretty wild!
I wonder if the NAFTA thing wasn't ultra-processed food. Didn't go into this in the article, but Mexicans have very poor health now too -- second worst after America, I think.
oh totally. In San Cristobal de las Casa, Coca-Cola set up shop after NAFTA because that area of Chiapas had water that was readily accessible. Since then water sources have run dry, obesity rate have soared, and the've replaced a local corn alcohol with Coca-Cola in some religious ceremonies.
My husband and I are spending two months in a small, oceanside Panamanian town and are experiencing what Brent is writing about. The food here (even in the restaurants) is simple and fresh. Everything tastes fabulous, especially the produce! The entire town (and beach) is walkable. I may never go home.
A shout out to BAMAGP as we used your recommendation to get our travel insurance (Heymondo). Thanks much.
Wonderful! It sounds lovely. What's the name of the town? (If you don't mind sharing)
Thank you! Do let me know if you have any experience with them, positive or negative. I researched them a fair bit, but I have yet to have a first-hand account. :-)
Had to read this Brent because the headline summarizes what I feel every time I leave the US.
One thing I've noticed from my travels - most recently was in Colombia and Oaxaca/Mexico City - in America, dairy rules. It's the number one source of saturated fat in the American diet and it's everywhere. When I was in Oaxaca/Mexico City, I ate salsas, elotes, tacos, tortas and there was barely any dairy. If I go to a Mexican place in the States though, it's loaded with cheese, which is so different from Mexico. There's a lot of nuance that goes into weight gain but I believe that dairy falls into the processed food problem, which is obviously a big part of the equation.
Oh, that's so true in Mexico! In fact, I'd go so far as to say the cheese that does exist in Mexico is...not very good. LOL We're here now, and the first few times we asked if tacos had cheese, the cook always kind of rolled his eyes, as if to say, Of COURSE not!
(There are a few northern countries that put cheese or cream in everything, which Michael notices because he's lactose intolerant!)
I hate to break this news but it’s not just the ultra-processed foods anymore. Our produce has been modified to be less nutrient dense and heartier/resistant to disease. We all know about what has been done to the conventional meat supply as well. It all leads to inflammation. You could have your weight fairly under control in the US but still be “puffy” and inflamed. Go on vacation to Europe - it all goes away. Their wheat is even different there. Europeans move here and suddenly can’t digest wheat products but had no issues in Europe.
There is so much more to the story.
I know, but only so much room. For this article, I was trying to limit it to the newish research on ultra processed. It's terrifying, isn't it? 😞😞
It is terrifying! We were just in Europe and bought our son Haribo candy. We held them side by side with the ones you buy in the US and the colors are far less bright and fake than the US versions. Even the processed foods there are better.
OMG that's fascinating! I think that whole question of side-by-side comparisons is chilling: supposedly the same brand, but completely different product. I've seen some of this on YouTube. Yikes.
Here in Canada, the Lindt chocolate bar is made in Switzerland. In the US, there's a Lindt factory in New Hampshire. No thanks, would not trust.
Chocolate tastes COMPLETELY different in America, especially the low-cost varieties. Yeah, I wouldn't true US-sourced chocolate either.
I’m fortunate to never have a problem with my weight, but I noticed (from how my clothes fit) that I gained several pounds since I arrived in the U.S. Not only from ultra-processed food though, because I try to avoid these, but from all the sugar in the food. Everything tastes sweet here, is dipped in honey. Even mustard and meat sauces. And eating sugar makes one crave sugar. Looking forward to leaving all that sweetness behind again soon.
This is very true! It's in everything. (But added processed sugar is PART of the ultra-food processing.)
We're also noticing that here in Mexico (which also has a problem with unhealthy food).
I think it also has a lot to do with car culture. Even as a time-limited tourist, the first thing you notice is how much easier to walk to shops, restaurants, theater, etc. than it is my American suburban enclave where it feels impossible to live without a car unless you become a hermit and have things delivered to you. Humans were meant to walk!
Oh so very very true! We find this soooo frustrating. Walking is something "optional" -- you CAN do if you want or if you make a great effort. It is not part of the everyday lifestyle AT ALL. But yes, humans were meant to move!
Yes! I came here to say this. I lost heaps of weight when I lived in Japan and Slovakia despite eating voluminously - the big difference being no car! Australia (at least where I live) is similar to many parts of the US in this way, very car-oriented. Sadly also similar with the ultra-processed food which I’m sure you’re right Is also a big part of it!
The other difference in Europe is the difference in their fast food. You can eat a healthy meal or snack at travel stations, our equivalent of gas stations, including fresh fruits and vegetables and yes, variety. The US has myriad of fast food drive thru options and even the dine in quality may be ultra processed. While traveling in Europe, it was great to get a tasty meal like a bowl of soup, a healthy sandwich, to a healthy plated meal and not just fried chicken, burgers, and fries. Agree, there is a lot to this story!
Yes, we've noticed this too. I wonder how of us this is supply and demand. I know that when Dollar Stores started added "fresh produce" selections, local communities mostly didn't buy it. At some point, the cravings for processed food overwhelm your personal choices.
Excellent article. I’m a big proponent of regular cardiovascular exercise, and I’m sure that’s another factor, and as nomads I’m sure you both do lots of walking. I would say certain areas of the U.S. are far worse than others re ultra-processed foods and lack of exercise. I travel inside the U.S. a lot and it’s extremely difficult to find healthy eateries in rural areas and the South. In Mississippi and Tennessee last year, it was nothing but fried, fried, fried. (Mixed in with all the Dollar General stores.)
Thank you! Yes, but when we're back in America, it becomes HARD to walk. It's an "optional" activity, not something essential and everyday -- because you need to pick up or bread or want to go meet friends for coffee.
We've noticed that too about different geographic areas, and the food of people very much changes too. In South Dakota, the only green vegetables in some markets was iceberg lettuce. Will never for get that.
Cracker Barrel? Just kidding :-)
😳😂
I’ve been talking about this to anyone who will listen the few years after working with a functional nutritionist who identified some food intolerances with my teens who were having all sorts of health issues that their own pediatricians weren’t connecting to food. We travel to Europe and New Zealand frequently and even my picky eater going adult children who noticed how different they feel when eating overseas. Even when eating “junk food” in NZ and Western European, their food intolerances (corn, soy and dairy - the American trifecta of unnecessary added ingredients) don’t lead to flare ups. And they notice the food just tastes fresher (if only I said it, they wouldn’t normally believe me 🙄). Alas, while my children hold triple citizenship with the US, NZ and Ireland, I have to be satisfied nomading my way through places with better food.
LOL, I feel your pain, re: kids. But yeah, the "fresh" thing is obvious. And also how much more quickly food SPOILS outside of America. But -- duh! -- that's a good thing! It's telling us something important, that the food is real.
That is FASCINATING about food intolerances. Michael (who is lactose intolerant) should pay attention to this.
He could try A2 milk just as an experiment. I had no gas symptoms even tho I usually have to buy lactose-free.
Oh! Thank you
Yeah, we do A2 milk and yogurt in the US, and it’s my understanding that the A2 dairy is more standard in Western Europe and so it may not even be labeled as much. I’ve read some about the dairy differences between there and here. Our cows are different in some way but I don’t remember all of the science behind it.
Every time I visit the U.S. for a few weeks, I instantly feel bloated after eating anything—an apple, an egg, a nut, just about anything! While I don’t love hearing that this happens to others, it’s oddly comforting to know it’s not just my body reacting this way. It seems to be a common experience for people who’ve been living outside the U.S. and then reintroduce themselves to foods that are, straight up, essentially toxic. It’s crazy!
These responses here are kind of blowing my mind!
Walking walking walking. Living in a place where you don’t need a car is ultimate freedom as far as I am concerened.
The lie that "cars" are "freedom" is, well, the greatest lie ever told! I'd MUCH rather have a great public mass transportation system!
We’re currently in Puerto Vallarta, though on the outskirts. It requires a 40 minute to get to most places — and we don’t care! We’re happy to include the walk as part of our day and consider it part of our exercise. Anything to avoid the hell of owning a car and routinely being stuck in traffic.
I never understand people's gripes about walking 30 min or so, but Americans are soooo dramatic about it
LOL
This is an emotional and difficult topic for me. I've struggled with weight loss all my life. Then, after only 5 months into our nomadic journey, upon a return from Europe, I had lost 20 pounds. Yay for lifestyle changes. But after 14 months in Asia, I returned heavier, and after six months in Michigan and Kentucky, I was 20 pounds heavier than I had been when I returned, victorious, from Europe. I started the dreaded calorie counting in September and have lost 17 pounds since. But today I consulted with a specialist in Kuala Lumpur about trying a medication to assist me. You see yes, for the most part, leaving the U.S. does result in weight loss, but after so many years of punishing my body, the additional walking has also resulted in problems with my hip and knee. So I think I need to do more to lose weight. It is a fact that women have more trouble losing weight than men (see Cleveland Clinic, for example, on this topic). My husband seems to think about weight loss and it happens, especially outside the U.S. Your post is very well-written but maybe not quite as nuanced as my life as been on this topic. But a good focus on an important issue.
Hi Kim: All great comments! Thanks for chiming in -- very much appreciate the additional perspective, especially on gender.
I think weight loss drugs are complicated, but I'm still glad the option exists for people. Feels like a better choice than surgery (which I also don't judge but seems riskier).
Cheers, Brent
20 years ago I hosted 3 exchange students over a 3 year period, each one from a different country (Mexico, South Korea, and Albania) and every single one of them almost immediately gained 20 pounds after being here. In fact, in the paperwork they are given on arrival it warns them that they are likely to gain around 20 lbs., but not to worry since they will lose it once they go back home.
I'm still waiting for my chance to leave the US (I currently have obligations), but I'll be curious to see if I lose some weight!
Oh, that is FASCINATING. And very frightening, frankly. Why are people not more concerned about that?? How did we allow it to happen?
My God, this is utterly frightening. 20 years ago? And now look at us.
I am originally French and now lives in the U.S. and I still do not understand why Americans have still not made the link between their weight and the quantity of food they eat, in addition to your point about processed food. It’s obvious when you see the size of meals and drinks served overseas vs in the U.S. We follow a Mediterranean diet and home cook a lot so we are still fit, even while living in the U.S. so it’s possible to stay fit in America but you have to break from the usual diet and prepare your home meals with fresh products. The other major factor is the mobility issue…in Europe, people walk everywhere while in the U.S., using a car is necessary in most areas. Convenience (prepared food and car transportation) is the worst enemy of staying healthy and fit!
There is an app called YUKA that tells you if a product is healthy or not based on additives, sugar and chemical agents. You just need to scan the bar codes with your phones and you know immediately if the product is rated green (good) or red (to be avoided). And food manufacturers are now modifying their products to improve the ratings of their products as the app is becoming very popular in many countries. The app is FREE and works in the U.S.!
I genuinely think that the vast majority of Americans don't know any other way. Culture is a big deal! (When I am in Europe, I often think, "Don't more people realize how bad smoking is for their health?" But America is different in that regard too -- better, for once.)
I think people need to travel more, I really do.
I'll look for that app! Sounds great.
I also lost fifty pounds after leaving the United States, and also regained some during our 9 month stint back. Now that we are in Albania again, it’s slowing coming off. 113% it’s all about the food quality. Every time we meet an American expat, nomad, or tourist, they can’t stop talking about the difference in food quality between my national origin, and Europe.
Interesting! This might be even more common than I knew LOL
Haven't been to Albania yet -- it's on our list!
Our family immigrated to Europe 2.5 years ago... I think a lot of these ideas are spot on and the other thing, is my nervous system is calmer here and in turn, feel like my body, not constantly flooded with high levels of cortisol, works better. That and I do a lot of errands by foot and those little choices add up. I notice how much better apples taste here - most things taste better, but almost every time I bite into an apple, it's just a more enjoyable experience and for goodness sakes' they are also not MONSTER sized. The apples they sell in the US - even organic ones - I just don't understand why/how they are so big.
Wonderful! Yes, I completely COMPLETELY agree. For me, life is, hands down, way better in Europe -- well, anywhere outside of America. But priorities are different, I guess. Many folks would rather have the big television, big house, and big yard.
The apple thing -- yes! What is that about!
The genetic variance of apple. Lady Studeley's something or other is a taster's dream btw. There are apple seed banks for heritage varieties in many countries I believe.
Yes, insulin, cortisol & sugar spikes - the unholy trinity! 🫣
Anecdotally i go eat like 10 plates of pasta in Italy and gain 0 pounds haha. But I also remember some research done on the health of Mexicans after they moved to the US and the health of Mexicans in Mexico after NAFTA was put in place - the "NAFTA Diet" - unsurprisingly both groups gained weight and had worse health outcomes in general. pretty wild!
I didn't have a problem in Italy either.
I wonder if the NAFTA thing wasn't ultra-processed food. Didn't go into this in the article, but Mexicans have very poor health now too -- second worst after America, I think.
oh totally. In San Cristobal de las Casa, Coca-Cola set up shop after NAFTA because that area of Chiapas had water that was readily accessible. Since then water sources have run dry, obesity rate have soared, and the've replaced a local corn alcohol with Coca-Cola in some religious ceremonies.
My husband and I are spending two months in a small, oceanside Panamanian town and are experiencing what Brent is writing about. The food here (even in the restaurants) is simple and fresh. Everything tastes fabulous, especially the produce! The entire town (and beach) is walkable. I may never go home.
A shout out to BAMAGP as we used your recommendation to get our travel insurance (Heymondo). Thanks much.
Wonderful! It sounds lovely. What's the name of the town? (If you don't mind sharing)
Thank you! Do let me know if you have any experience with them, positive or negative. I researched them a fair bit, but I have yet to have a first-hand account. :-)
Had to read this Brent because the headline summarizes what I feel every time I leave the US.
One thing I've noticed from my travels - most recently was in Colombia and Oaxaca/Mexico City - in America, dairy rules. It's the number one source of saturated fat in the American diet and it's everywhere. When I was in Oaxaca/Mexico City, I ate salsas, elotes, tacos, tortas and there was barely any dairy. If I go to a Mexican place in the States though, it's loaded with cheese, which is so different from Mexico. There's a lot of nuance that goes into weight gain but I believe that dairy falls into the processed food problem, which is obviously a big part of the equation.
My favourite thing about Mexico is that when you get cheese put on your taco it's called gringo/gringa. 😂😂😂
Yup! LOL
Oh, that's so true in Mexico! In fact, I'd go so far as to say the cheese that does exist in Mexico is...not very good. LOL We're here now, and the first few times we asked if tacos had cheese, the cook always kind of rolled his eyes, as if to say, Of COURSE not!
(There are a few northern countries that put cheese or cream in everything, which Michael notices because he's lactose intolerant!)