the way our cities / communities are designed. Most Europeans will walk 10,000 steps in their average day; most Americans will struggle to get half that. It makes a huge difference over several years/decades.
Well, anecdotally, I moved from Texas to the West Coast and lost 30+ lbs my first year.
Losing access to good BBQ and queso were definitely factors. But I’d cite the inherent walkability of the cities I’ve lived in as the main reason. It gives me far more casual exercise now that the weather isn’t trying to kill me and I’m not surrounded by suburban sprawl.
Lack of exercise? Fast food? Non stick pans? Magic Texan air?
Why not address that rather than doing all sorts of unnatural restriction stuff?