After American columnist Tamar Haspel spent the entire month of May eating her way across Italy, she returned with finding out why there are tales of people who lose weight while vacationing in Italy and the country’s relatively low obesity rate compared to the United States, as per a report.Hint: It’s Not What They Eat, It’s How They EatFrom cookies for breakfast to multicourse lunches and dinners, with pasta, risotto, cheese, cured meats, and, of course, gelato, Italians don’t exactly eat “light,” according to the coloum written by Haspel in The Washington Post. In fact, they consume more pasta per person than anyone on Earth, averaging over 51 pounds a year, while Americans eat just 19. But they still manage to avoid the obesity crisis plaguing the United States. As per data from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, the obesity rate among Italian adults was 17% in 2022, and it was 42% in the United States, as per the report.
The reason for their lower obesity rate doesn’t lie in their menu, but it lies in how they eat and how much, according to her column.
ALSO READ: First it was alligator prisons in Florida, now Alaska wants a Bear Alcatraz for migrantsSmaller Portions, Fewer SnacksNutrition expert Marion Nestle has long said that American portion sizes could single-handedly explain the nation’s weight gain, according to The Washington Post column. When portions double, people eat roughly a third more, without even realising it, as per the report. In Italy, even decadent meals are typically served in smaller portions, and when it’s done, it’s done, as snacking is also far less frequent, according to the report. 
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Italians typically don’t graze all day or grab food on the go, and between-meal eating is rare, especially outside the home, as per Haspel’s experience in Italy. It’s not just a habit, it’s part of the food culture, according to the report. Many towns and cities do not have the kind of convenience-food bombardment Americans are used to: no smoothie counters at pharmacies, no giant cookies at hardware stores, no drive-thru pretzels or novelty sodas around every corner, as per her column.ALSO READ: US Independence Day 2025: 10 fun facts about America you must knowA Different Food CultureAccording to the report, outdoor markets offer fresh produce, bread, cheese, and meat, but no funnel cakes, no churros, no hot dogs, as Italians eat less processed food than Americans do, and they also eat less of it than almost anyone in Europe.
Haspel even recommends, “If you ever wonder why Americans are fat and Italians aren’t, spend a month in their shoes. Sure, there are differences in what we eat. But the bigger differences are in where, when, how and how much,” as per The Washington Post.
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FAQsHow is Italian food culture different from American food culture?
In Italy, food is something to be enjoyed slowly and socially. Meals are often intentional and structured—there’s little mindless snacking or eating on the go.
Are portion sizes in Italy really that different?
Yes, they’re noticeably smaller. Even indulgent foods like pasta or gelato come in reasonable amounts. Overeating just isn’t built into the experience.