Scadinavian socialism is now desperately trying to let them have their cake AND eat it, too.
Posted on 11/24/2004 1:14:33 PM PST by Red Badger
Norwegians eating more cake New statistics on Norwegian eating habits show some signs of improvement but more worrying indicators that convince experts the country is following in the sweet and heavy footsteps of diners in the USA.
Nutritionists Kaare Norum (right) and Svein Olav Kolset examine the ingredients on bags of candy.
PHOTO: INGAR STORFJELL
New figures from Statistics Norway (SSB) hint that Norwegians have cut down on fats and eat less than a previous study from 1997-99, but that an ever-increasing national sweet tooth could spell familiar health problems.
According to the SSB the average Norwegian consumes 436 kilograms (959 lbs) a year, 13 kilos less than in 1997-99. But nutritionists are not more satisfied, newspaper Nationen reports.
Arnhild Haga Rimestad, section director at the Directorate for Health and Social Affairs, was pleased to see that Norwegians were eating more fruits and vegetables and less fat than before, but an increase in sugar intake, particularly among the young, is a "very worrying" sign.
Former staples potatoes and milk are becoming less popular, with bread and especially cake on the rise.
"Everyone who follows the development of the Norwegian diet is worried. We have a consumption pattern that increasingly reminiscent of what we see in the USA," said Britt Kåsin, nutrition expert at the Information Office for Fruit and Vegetables.
"There 65 percent of the population is classified as overweight today. This means huge costs for society and causes individual suffering and reduced quality of life. We see the same development in Western Europe and there is no doubt that we are going the same way," Kåsin said.
Kåsin is also most concerned that sugar consumption is up most among the youngest age groups.
"The choices we make are important, not least what we teach our children. It isn't kindness, giving children soft drinks and candy in front of the TV or a computer game," Kåsin said.
Isn't it a pita?.....
Scadinavian socialism is now desperately trying to let them have their cake AND eat it, too.
This calls for another government program.
Didn't the heroes of Telemark steal the German's yellow cake or something like that?
Not if health care is privatized...it is the only answer.
I have seen some shocking headlines in my day, but this one really made me have to sit down for a moment and fan myself.
How about tort reform?
Well, they still put mayo on their french fries and that may have a bit to do with it too!
I like cake...
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