#28. From Baguettes to Beach Bodies
Physique and Fitness in France
The sun-kissed shores of the Riviera coastline painted a vibrant tableau of French life in motion. The air intermingled with the salty sea breeze and freshly baked buttery pastries, the coastal cafes were alive with the sounds of laughter and chatter.
The people were dressed in a casual sophistication that made them seem effortlessly stylish. From the elderly dog walkers, the youth jogging along the boulevard to the locals enjoying a leisurely lunch in a quaint café, everyone seemed to have a natural flair for style. It was as if I had stepped into a living, breathing runway or as if they had a blended rehearsal for Paris Fashion Week for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
It's no wonder France is considered one of the most desirable places in the world to live. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and incredible culture, it's a country that offers something for everyone.
But what's the secret to the French people's notable physiques? Is it their Mediterranean diet, their active lifestyles, or something else entirely?
Nature vs. Nurture: The French Paradox
The age-old debate of nature versus nurture has long intrigued scientists and philosophers alike. Our genetic makeup, or nature, provides a blueprint for our physical attributes and predispositions. However, our environment, or nurture, plays a crucial role in shaping how these genetic potentials are expressed. The French, with their enviable physique and relatively low rates of obesity, offer a fascinating case study in the interplay of these factors.
I've categorized the potential influences into three primary areas: genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Let's delve into each.
Figure 1 - Factors influencing human health and physique
Genetics: A Puzzling Piece
While genetics undoubtedly contribute to our physical attributes, unraveling the specific genetic factors behind the French physique has proved challenging. Surprisingly, there appears to be a shortage of genomic research focused on French individuals in France. In contrast, studies on French Canadians are much more abundant. Perhaps the historical migration patterns of French Canadians, with less intermixing with other populations, have made them a more suitable genetic pool for research. France on the contrary has a wonderfully diverse community (much like Melbourne) where there has been multigenerational European and North African migration.
Environmental Influences: A Conducive Setting
My observations are very much influenced by my travels taking place in the heart of the French summer during the large population surge along the southern coastline, but I would say the environment goes beyond the seasons.
The country's generally good air quality, and stable weather encourages outdoor activities. Furthermore, French cities are often designed with and for pedestrians (more so) and cyclists (less so). Accessible public transportation, bike lanes, and walkable neighborhoods create an environment that encourages physical activity and reduces reliance on cars. This infrastructure fosters a culture of movement, making it easier for people to incorporate exercise into their daily routines.
Additionally, the emphasis on seasonal produce, often grown locally, ensures a diet rich in vitamins and minerals and free from the chemical world of food transport and storage from international markets.
Lifestyle Factors: The French Way
French lifestyle habits offer intriguing clues to the nation's enviable physique. First and foremost, smoking can suppress appetite and the French have one of the highest rates in the world for developed nations. But when they do chose to they eat, the French tend to prioritise fresh, whole foods that are sourced locally. Smaller portions and slower eating habits promote mindful consumption and prevent overeating. Moreover, the French have a lower preference for sweet foods, and have a higher preference for high natural fats.
Another intriguing aspect of the French diet is red wine consumption, which contains a compound called resveratrol has been linked to potential metabolic health benefits. However a 2003 study concluded that the amount absorbed from wine consumption is insufficient to contribute to health benefits…
Data Insights: A Broader Perspective
From a clinical standpoint, this is not the first time these ideas have been described, and it has been coined the "French paradox" – the observation that French people have a relatively low incidence of heart disease despite a diet rich in saturated fats.
While the French lifestyle offers many potential explanations for the nation's physique, it's essential to consider broader trends. The ‘WHO EUROPEAN REGIONAL OBESITY REPORT 2022’ offers some really interesting insights and recommendations for managing the weight gain crisis. The report highlights that obesity rates among children and adolescents are rising in the European region, and France is comparable to the UK in this regard (Figure 2). This suggests that despite the positive influences within France, there is still a population group at risk (who perhaps were not in the areas that I visited) and that there are still underlying challenges that need to be addressed.
Figure 2 – Prevalence Of Overweight And Obesity Among Children And Adolescents Aged 10-19 Years In The WHO European Region (1)
Generally however, the French population demonstrates a commitment to physical activity. Additionally, a large portion participates in regular sports activities, with many engaging in at least an hour of exercise (Figure 2). These behaviors contribute to a healthier lifestyle and may help mitigate the rising obesity rates.
Urban design undoubtably plays a big role in exercise uptake and it was found in Paris that an increase in the number of cycle lanes and separation of cyclists from motorized traffic resulted in a 54% increase in bicycle use between 2018 and 2019.
Figure 2 – Share Of People Who Regularly Take Part In Sport In France (2)
Conclusion
While the French physique is certainly a interesting subject, it's clear that a single factor cannot fully explain this phenomenon. The interplay of genetics, environment, and lifestyle creates a complex human state that contributes to the overall health and well-being of the French population. As research continues to unravel the mysteries of human health, we may gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to the French paradox and apply these insights to improve global health and wellness.
Additional Photos from my Travels:
