I'm surprised no one has mentioned this, but high-fructose corn syrup could be a major cause of this health discrepancy. According to Wikipedia, HFCS has "been linked to health problems such as obesity and diabetes."
Most interestingly (and I assume this is talking about Britain as well): "Currently HFCS remains an almost uniquely American phenomenon as, although it is not actually banned in Europe (and other markets), the relative greater availibilty of cane sugar against maize in these markets (coupled with generally negative consumer attitudes towards it [particularly in Europe]) has made it uneconomical to produce it there." Wikipedia.
HFCS is mostly consumed through soda, but that "healthy" fruit juice parents give their kids can contain even more.
Slashdot Mirror
I'm surprised no one has mentioned this, but high-fructose corn syrup could be a major cause of this health discrepancy. According to Wikipedia, HFCS has "been linked to health problems such as obesity and diabetes."
Most interestingly (and I assume this is talking about Britain as well): "Currently HFCS remains an almost uniquely American phenomenon as, although it is not actually banned in Europe (and other markets), the relative greater availibilty of cane sugar against maize in these markets (coupled with generally negative consumer attitudes towards it [particularly in Europe]) has made it uneconomical to produce it there." Wikipedia.
HFCS is mostly consumed through soda, but that "healthy" fruit juice parents give their kids can contain even more.