[CJFusco]

This is why I think that obesity is on the rise in America... just one humble nut's opinion:

When the Kate Moss/anorexia/heroin look became popular in the early 1990s, the natural backlash was for heavier persons to declare "be proud of who you are, no matter what your shape." Of course, seeing as this is America, people take things to extremes. "Be proud of who you are" became "who gives a ***** about health?" While I have no problem with people being proud of how they look if they happen to be a little big-boned, I don't think people should be proud if they let their lifestyles become detrimental to their health. Chock it up to good-old-fashioned American laziness misinterpreting a positive social message.

Now, the difference between America and some of the European countries is a matter of lifestyle. I spent some time with my cousin in Holland; thieir idea of snackfood is fruit, veggies, fish, crackers, and cheese. They sit down to dinner at 5:30, and don't gorge themselves... meals take awhile to serve, and everyone sits at the table for hours enjoying one another's company. I have seen 4-hour "dinners" where I have eaten much less (and better food) than a 20-minute gorge-fest here in the states.

Also, due partially to obscenely-high gas prices and partially to a lack of parking spaces, people are far more apt to ride their bikes short distances instead of driving their cars. People in Holland are seriously in very good shape! I don't think I saw anyone under the age of 60 or so that wasn't toned and slim.