snacks, sedentary lifestyle and the loss of "common food culture". The French tradition of not opening the refrigerator between meals for a child isn't as prevalent as it once was. Fat content in the French diet has increased steadily to the point where it is predicted that obesity-related diseases will start to increase. The French connect food to pleasure and they enjoy eating, considering meals a celebration of their cuisine. Social correlations Obesity affects disproportionately low income individuals and is one marker of social inequality. A study conducted by French researchers has shown that poor children are up to three times more likely to be obese compared to children growing up in more affluent families. Action In September 2005, France passed a law banning soda-and-snack-selling vending machines from public schools and misleading television and print food advertising. France also put in place 1.5% tax on the advertising budgets of food companies that did not encourage healthy eating. French politicians have considered the obesity rate serious enough that they got local communities to govern their overweight and obesity levels through a program called Epode (acronym for "Ensemble, prévenons l'obésité des enfants", "Together let's prevent obesity in children"). Six years after the program has started, it has been considered a success with obesity rates lowered up to 25% in some communities. The cost of the program is €2 a day per child. Due to cultural issues brought in from immigration, there is no exact program format; though, a town implementing the program must offer a "menu Epode", which comprises dishes considered healthy. Statistics According to the CIA's World Factbook, France's prevalence rate for adult obesity was 21.60% in 2016, placing the country at the 87th position worldwide. Among European countries, rates ranged from 19.50% (Switzerland) to 27.80% (United Kingdom). See also List of countries by Body Mass Index (BMI) References France Health in France