[–] aynus 0 points 6 points 6 points (+6|-0) ago
I don't think this is something limited to her because of where she was born and raised. There have been studies showing that thin people overestimate their caloric intake while the overweight and obese underestimate their caloric intake. It's why calories in/calories out has been "debunked" and "doesn't work for everyone," - because people think they are consuming a certain amount, self-report to researchers who ask (rather than using a urine test like they've done on Secret Eaters), and it becomes a clusterfuck of misinformation due to honest lies.
[–] GenevieveJenkins 0 points 10 points 10 points (+10|-0) ago
I used to think like your friend. I was/am underweight (but currently gaining), and actually thought that I ate a lot of food. Then, 6 months ago I started counting calories. Turns out I was only getting 1000-1500 a day, so I wasn't eating nearly as much as I thought I was. I think if your friend was to start counting calories she'd come to the same conclusion.