Freedom Fries Fattening French

Freedom Fries be danged, French waistlines are taking a decidedly American curve: As fast food and bigger portions invade, some 42% of the famously foodie nation's population is clocking in as either overweight or obese. But officials say don't let them eat cake, predicting US-level obesity if the trend isn't reversed within a few years, the LA Times reports.

And not only do French women get fat, they have less time to cook and perhaps even less know-how. "If we do nothing, in a few years the French will be as fat as Americans," said a consumer advocate. Many believe that regulation is necessary to contain the food market's push towards sugary, fattening products. (More France stories.)