THE FRENCH consider themselves to be a healthy nation, but almost half of them are overweight, according to a survey.
The study found that 46% of people are overweight or obese, despite a “good diet” and regular physical activity.
The French have a high opinion of the food they put on their plates, with 86% rating it “very good” or “fairly good”, and 76% saying it is varied and balanced.
But consumption of fruit and vegetables is below the recommended five portions a day. According to the survey, French people eat just 3.4 portions.
As a result, more than three out of four (76%) considered themselves healthy, while 30% were overweight and 16% obese.
As expected, obesity is higher among people who lead a generally sedentary lifestyle (20%), but also among those aged between 50 and 64 (21%). It was lowest among young people, with only 9% of those surveyed obese.
Six out of 10 people eat three meals a day, though a third of respondents admitted to snacking between meals. Only 11% of those surveyed said they eat at a fast food restaurant every week.
Walking, cycling and swimming were popular hobbies among the 69% of respondents who said they took part in physical activity at least once a week.
However only 49% of obese people claimed to engage in a physical activity or sport. The main obstacles, they said, were lack of time (36%), motivation (33%) and money (14%).
The survey of 1,001 people, conducted by OpinionWay on behalf of the General Mutual of Education (MGEN), used the body mass index (BMI) to calculate whether respondents were overweight.
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Visa and residency cards for France*
