How the French Stay Thin

A diet in rich foods and the French still weigh less

By Colin Allen, published on August 01, 2003

Creamy Brie, buttery croissants, indulgent pastries are just part of the French paradox. Somehow, unlike Americans, the French can indulge in these fatty foods yet remain surprisingly thin. Now, one group of researchers has unlocked part of mystery: beyond their joie de vivre, the French simply eat smaller portions.

Only 7 percent of the French are obese, compared with 22 percent of Americans. Paradoxically, the French consume more fat in their diet. Study author Paul Rozin argues that this connection between fatty foods and obesity is misguided. Instead, he suggests that it is more important to look at calories, where Americans have the upper hand.

Americans eat more, Rozin discovered. He and colleagues compared the size of portions at 11 eateries in Paris and Philadelphia, varying from fast food to ethnic food. The average size of a French meal was 277 grams, compared with an American portion of 346 grams -- a meal larger by 25 percent.

Supermarkets also sold larger items in Philadelphia. Of the 17 items Rozin picked out, 14 products were larger stateside. For example, a carton of yogurt was 82 percent larger in Philadelphia. A soft drink was 52 percent bigger.

Rozin explains that environment plays an important role in obesity. "People may be satisfied even if served less than they would normally eat," he says.

The University of Pennsylvania and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in Paris collaborated for the study, which was published in the September issue of Psychological Science.