Another factor living in the USA versus a place like China is:
1. Portions: We just eat too damn much, EVERYWHERE
2. Exercise: We all go around in our cars...everywhere, in other countries they walk, a LOT more.
To me its pretty simple, all of you are partly right:
1. Willpower is a big part of it: I should know, Im built like Pat Williams, and I have lost over 40 lbs so far on my life changing ways of eating: How so? Saying goodbye to fried foods, drinking more water, eating more fruits and veggies, and going to the gym 4 days a week. And presto, I'm well on my way to fixing the biggest issue Ive ever had: Myself
2. Now I will say this: The overabundance of fast food chains around the USA does not help matters. And the cheaper prices entices the lazy...I WAS like that. No more. Last night I got home at 9pm...I did not eat dinner after a long day at work and went to the gym? Stroll by McDonald's? Nope, went to the grocery store, bought good, healthy stuff that I found on sale, and I had some grilled chicken with salad. Took me, oh, 45 minutes.
3. When it comes to shopping for food, it is amazing how we as a society will search like hell to save money on an airline ticket or a flat screen TV, but finding the best deals for healthy foods, we are too busy for that. In my changing of myself; I identified three difference places to shop where I can find the best deals for fish, chicken, fruits, veggies, whatever it is, and I save a lot of $ doing it.
I mostly agree with Chef being that I have put myself in this situation. But Fez does have valid points too, but it is mostly about personal choices.