実践ビジネス英語 Thursday, December 19
1) Collins says one of the biggest factors in the obesity epidemic is sugar, which adds empty calories and has been linked to different diseases. Breakstone speculates that there is a direct link between the growing use of high-fructose corn syrup and more obesity. Collins says there are other factors too and that Americans began consuming more calories and gaining large amounts of weight about 50 years ago.
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Fighting Obesity (2)
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2) epidemic: "Epidemic" can refer to the quick spread to many people of a contagious disease, like the famous Spanish flu epidemic in 1918. It can also refer to the rapid spread, growth or development of something like obesity, which isn't technically contagious. It would always be something bad, though, like "Schools are battling an 'epidemic' of cheating." Or, "Police report a cocaine 'epidemic.'"
3) "Epidemic" can also be an adjective, meaning widely prevalent, such as "Cheating has reached 'epidemic' levels."
4) empty calories: These are calories that don't come with any real nutritional value. You are not going to get any real vitamins, minerals, protein with them. You just get calories basically. We also have the expression "hidden calories," which refers to little things that we don't pay attention to, but that bit by bit add to our daily calorie count, things like the small pieces of candy handed out at the office, the tablespoon of mayonnaise we put on a sandwich.
5) I wouldn't be surprised if: This seems likely, in other words. Breakstone is saying "I would guess that this is the case." For example, "'I wouldn't be surprised if' he quits. He is not happy working here."
6) We also say "would be surprised if" to indicate we don't think something, is likely, as in, "'I would be surprised if' he quits. He's worked here for ages."
7) put something into a historical context: explain something, view it within the framework of history, amid the historical circumstances related to it. Imagine someone who spoke against racial prejudice in the 18th century. His efforts would be particularly impressive in a historical context because back then, most people believed that certain races were inferior.
8) put on extra pounds: Gain weight, Collins is saying, especially excess weight, weight we don't need. You could say, "Jay is trying to lose a few 'extra pounds' before swim suits season."
9) in a big way: This means on a large scale or in striking fashion, things like "Her steady saving has paid off 'in a big way.' She is well prepared for retirement." or "They are reorganizing the company 'in a big way.' Three departments will be eliminated."
10) take in: Collins uses this expression to mean bring into one's body. It can also refer to bringing in money, such as "Her business is taking in nearly one million dollars a year after taxes."
11) diet: In Japanese "diet" refers to an eating program meant to help someone lose weight. But in English, it can also mean a person's eating habits. So I could add more vegetables to my diet, or try to eliminate sugar from my diet. That would be changing my eating habits, not necessarily my methods for losing weight.
【原稿チェック： Cecile, Hiomi】
【ディクテーション： Sanae】
