In a study in the journal Economics and Human Biology, Oxford University researchers found that Americans and Britons are much more likely to be obese than Norwegians and Swedes, and suggested that the stress of life in a competitive social system without a strong welfare state may cause people to overeat. Full Story »
Posted by Sally Lehrman - via Mehmet Ekrem Koseterzi (f)
This is an interesting science story but correlation is not the same as causation. The reporter should have given us more context about the research methodology and the researchers' credentials in this area so that readers could better evaluate their claims. An interpretation by others in the field would also have helped. The topic is an important one, so deserves better treatment. In addition, the photo on the Reuters page is offensive. Why do stories about obese people always feature a photo shot from the rear?
