[URYSSmhd4J]

In 2020, there was no country in the world where at least majority (50%>=) of the adult population smoked daily,[0] and I'd say that the modal cigarette consumption is almost certainly zero. Granted that the author leaves "normal person" and "typically," "statistically speaking," undefined, what does he think he could have meant?

Why would someone, on the 2024th year of Our Lord, write a silly claim such as "statistically speaking, a normal person typically... Smokes"? Not only that, but also put in the first line of their enumeration?

[0]: https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/share-of-adults-who-smoke

[freetime2]

In my neighborhood, the majority of adult men around my age smoke. So even if it isn’t normal at the national level, it is considered normal in my community. Possibly the author is in a similar situation.

It’s really amazing how much “normal” can differ across different groups of people. I have a group of cycling buddies for whom it’s normal to spend $5000+ on a bike, ride hundreds of kilometers a week, avoid drinking during the cycling season, and of course avoid smoking. And another group of friends who are the complete opposite - our get-togethers revolve around binge drinking, eating, smoking, and tossing a frisbee would be considered an unusual amount of physical exertion.

No judgement here in either case. They are all good people and we always have a good time when we get together. And I’m glad that I have some friends that can challenge and encourage me to become stronger and healthier. And other friends with whom I can laugh and joke and blow off steam.

[deathanatos]

Sort of the same story with "Is physically unhealthy.", which links to the prevalence of US adult obesity, which is ~36%. I.e., … a minority.

That one is highly regional though. I travel to the southern US occasionally, and people are very visibly more obese there. It's … something.

[bilbo0s]

Ever been to Wisconsin?

I think at one time it was neck and neck with Texas for leading the nation in obesity. I live here, and it hits me when I travel. Even just to neighboring states. Minnesota and Illinois are visibly more fit.

Obesity is a problem in many areas in the US.

[deathanatos]

I didn't say it was limited to the south. A quick Google says WI is +0.4 percentage points above the national average for obesity. My home state is +3.2 percentage points vs. the national average.

But moreso, my home state is +11.8 percentage points vs. my current state, hence how much it stands out when I go home.

[dmoy]

MN and WI have very similar levels of obesity, now. Mostly cus MN caught up to WI lol.

[InSteady]

It's really not that much of a stretch to imagine a further 14% are physically unhealthy while not meeting the criteria for obesity (realistically much more). Think of all the slim to slightly overweight people who drink excessively, use other harmful substances, eat like crap, get poor sleep, have lots of poorly managed stress, or avoid exercise. Any one of these things can lead to being physically unhealthy (even when you appear fine outwardly).