1. A Growing Trend Since the 1990s:

If we go back 30 years, to the mid-1990s, things were quite different. At that time, obesity affected only a small portion of the French population. In 1996, only 7% of men and around 6% of women were considered obese. But since then, things have changed drastically.

According to a recent study by Santé Publique France, overweight and obesity have seen a rapid increase over the past 20 years. For example, among men, in 1996, about 40% were overweight. Today, we’re talking about 50%—half of all adult men. Obesity among men has also doubled, reaching 13% in 2017.

For women, the situation is slightly different but equally concerning. In 1996, fewer than 25% of women reported being overweight, but by 2017, this figure had risen to nearly 39%. As for obesity, it increased from 6% to 14% over the same period. What’s particularly worrying is that for women, this progression continues, while among men, it seems to have stabilized.

These figures show a consistent increase in body weight in France. One could almost say that obesity has become a major public health issue. And this raises an important question: why does this trend persist?

 

2. Why Are the French Gaining Weight?

One might think that the French, with their famously healthy Mediterranean diet, would be less affected by obesity than other Western countries. And yet, even in France, lifestyles have radically changed over the past decades. The increase in sedentary behavior is one of the primary factors behind this widespread weight gain.

With the evolution of work patterns, particularly the rise of remote work and the generalization of digital activities, people are spending more and more time sitting. According to a study conducted in 2020, most French people spend more than 7 hours a day sitting—whether in front of a computer screen or watching television. Added to this is the decline in daily physical activity. In the past, the French tended to walk more and make more trips by foot or bicycle. Today, even for relatively short distances, many choose to drive or use public transport.

Another significant factor is, of course, diet. Processed foods, rich in saturated fats, sugars, and salt, have become ubiquitous. The rise of ready meals, snacks, and fast food has completely changed our eating habits. The French are increasingly eating on the go, and meals at home are often less balanced than before. For example, the traditional French meal with a starter, main course, and dessert is increasingly replaced by a single, often calorie-dense, dish. We’ve shifted from a “slow food” model to a faster, more processed version.

Factors like stress and “emotional eating” also play a role. How many times have you eaten something just because you were stressed or tired? This phenomenon, also known as “comfort eating,” has a direct impact on weight gain. During the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, many people gained weight due to anxiety, confinement, and isolation. It’s a global phenomenon but one that particularly affected France.

Additionally, we cannot ignore the impact of endocrine disruptors—chemical substances found in everyday products like plastics or cosmetics. These disruptors can affect our metabolism, particularly in younger individuals, and contribute to weight gain. Some studies even show a direct link between exposure to endocrine disruptors and the rise in childhood obesity.

 

3. Differences Between Men and Women:

One interesting aspect to explore in this increase in body weight is the differences between men and women. As I mentioned earlier, among men, the situation seems to have stabilized. Since 2008, the proportion of overweight or obese men has remained around 50%. You could even say they’ve hit a “glass ceiling.” So why do women continue to see an increase in body weight?

Several reasons can explain this difference. Menopause, for instance, is a major factor for women. During this period, metabolism changes, making it easier to gain weight, particularly around the waist. But that’s not the only factor. It also seems that women’s physical activity has declined over the years, unlike men, who, overall, continue to engage in at least some form of exercise.

Another factor to consider is the social pressure placed on women. Unlike men, who can sometimes carry a little extra weight without facing criticism, women often feel more pressure to maintain a slim figure. This pressure can create a vicious cycle, where stress about body image leads to weight gain.

 

4. Health Risks

Beyond the aesthetic or social aspects, obesity is above all a health problem. Being overweight or obese significantly increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, or certain cancers. According to the WHO, obesity has even become one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide.

As if that weren’t enough, overweight or obese individuals are also at higher risk of developing severe forms of infectious diseases. During the Covid-19 pandemic, it was widely documented that obese individuals were more likely to experience severe complications or even die from the virus.

Obesity can also lead to joint problems, such as osteoarthritis. Carrying excess weight puts enormous pressure on the joints, particularly the knees and hips. This can make mobility difficult and further exacerbate sedentary behavior.

 

5. What Is Being Done to Combat Obesity in France?

So, what is France doing to fight this issue? Of course, there are prevention campaigns. You’ve probably heard of the “Manger Bouger” program, which encourages a balanced diet and regular physical activity. It’s a positive initiative, but many experts believe it’s not enough.

Martine Laville, a professor of nutrition at the University of Lyon, recently proposed 40 measures to combat obesity in a report submitted to the government. For example, she suggests developing more balanced school meal programs, particularly in disadvantaged neighborhoods. It’s worth noting that the most vulnerable populations are often the most affected by obesity. Why? Simply because healthy foods like fruits and vegetables are often more expensive than processed products.

There are also other proposals, such as systematically screening for overweight during preventive medical consultations. Additionally, there’s increasing discussion about introducing medication-based treatments for obesity, like those used in the United States. However, these medications are still met with skepticism in France.

 

So, that was an overview of obesity in France. It’s clear that this topic is much more complex than it seems. We’re not just talking about a few extra pounds after the holidays, but a real societal issue affecting more and more people, particularly women.

We’ve seen that the causes are multiple: sedentary behavior, diet, stress—not to mention those infamous hormones and endocrine disruptors. But what do we do now? There are solutions being implemented, but will they be enough? That’s the big question. I think we can all agree that this fight will require time, effort, and perhaps even a change in how we live day to day.