Why is america so overweight?
600164
I classify humans as animals. When animals are domesticated, they don't have to fend for themselves any longer and they just sit around and eat. I don't know exactly why we have a higher obesity problem than most other countries, but it probably has a lot to do with technology and fast food. Just a guess. It seems as though we have a lot of sedentary jobs involving computers, and I'm sure that plays a part in it as well as the convenience of fast food, and the conveniences of certain kinds of modern technology.  Also we are a very rich country, and even the poorest of us have television and video games and other things to keep us entertained without us having to move at all. Of course other countries have all of these things as well, so I would guess the American mentality plays a huge role as well. But these are all just guesses and supposition I haven't studied the matter really.\n\nNot all of us are fat lazy cows. Some of us enjoy exercise and do eat right. I don't group French people as a bunch of frog eating weirdos, or Brits as a bunch of tight @ss snobs, and I don't think of Australians as looking like Crocodile Dundee, so maybe somebody should be a little more open-minded? Thanks.
17925
Most Europeans I know are apalled at the serving size of food in American restaurants. And so many people here finish their plates. \n\nWE EAT TOO MUCH and drive everywhere.
226737
I have always heard its because when they eat 3 meals a day the biggest meal is lunch, so their body burns off more fat throughout the day. whereas Americans usually eat bigger dinners and then go to sleep shortly after.  It actually makes sense.\nOh, yeah and you should be able to go to Oprahs web site and get the link for that book. just type in some key words, Im sure you'll find her.
1083601
When ANYBODY thinks of American food, they think of McDonalds.  That's pretty bad.\nBetween all of the American eating dissorders, obesity, and fast food frenzy...I do agree that Americans are overfed and under nourished.
684854
americans are fat bastards and eat a lot of meat.  Due to this they have to constantly floss and take care of their teeth.  Americans also have whole businesses dedicated to whitening teeth with lasers.\n\nactually I live in america but I have lived in the UK as well.  over 1/3 or americans are obese...statisticlly..this does MAKE america fat bastards\n\nThe english dont really have laser whitnening or bleaching trends that asmericans have had for decades.  Americans like thier superficiality, cover up the weakspots.....
49857
I'm not from the US, but that animosity is reserved for obese ppl the world over!!\n\nI think it has to do with the misconception that fat ppl got fat cause they have no control over their eating habits and therefore appear to have low self-control, are indisciplined and weak.\n\nIt's wrong, of course. But its human nature to feel superior to any perceived notion of lack of discipline or weakness. Which instead of resulting in understanding and tolerance usually comes out as snide and contemptuous.\n\nMost fat ppl I know are NOT fat coz they eat like mad monkeys, but it’s hormonal or psychological in nature which triggers irregular eating habits among other reasons for obesity.
160669
How dare you say we are becoming fat and lazy, we are weight challenged and exercise deficient.  We are a healthy country, excuse me while I open my cheetos, we eat right, have the best resturants (McDonalds, Dennys, Burger King, Taco Bell, Del Taco, the snack bar in Walmart) where else can you get the nutrious and lip smacking meals like they present, only in America.  Do you (of course you don't) remember the day when you had to get out of your chair to change the television channel?  Lock your car door with a key?  Get out of your car and walk into the resturant to get your food, cash your check, buy your liquor, get married, get divorced, go to church.  Did you ever walk to work, ride a bike, take the bus?  Do you have a car and drive to work by yourself, letting this 2000 pound vehicle take your 150 pound body around, how efficient is that???  If you do any of the above and we all do, then you have answered your question, so why ask??????
454564
Good and bad...big people need all kinds of fat people stuff...like specially made things that can withstand the weight. So this could be good economically because they would buy more stuff. It is bad for what it does to them, and also the health care costs of caring for obesity are enormous. It is bad for us because of all the things that come with it. It seems pretty rare that an obsese person only has the health issue of being fat. They bring diabetes, hygiene issues, cholesterol, and blood pressure problems to name just a few. So, in the end, the costs will far outweigh (no pun intended) the benefits of obesity. It is a serious detriment that our nation needs to acknowledge and stop the problems before they become a huge epidemic.
995572
1/2 of AMERICA consists of ppl who are overweight! Adults and Children Alike! Mostly adults though...\nmost children are active, they have a great metabolism, and usually are required to have some physical activity in school (like sports, dance class, etc).\n\nBut obesity in children is on the rise
381773
2/3 of the population is overweight or obese.  You tell me if that's a problem.
191473
I feel Americans should be upset about any and all discrimination.  Obesity is a proven disease.  Sometimes it is best to look the other way when offended.  Obese people should feel free to enjoy life just as much as anyone.  No, I am not obese and I think it would be a very sad for anyone suffering this disease.
528957
A lot of crap that makes us the fattest country in the world.
678277
65% of adult US population is overweight, 31% of adult population in the US is obese.
1061099
Haha I am not fat or tall so thank you for saying the word "majority."  We live in fast food nation.  There are a lot of lazy people out there who eat horrible meals and too large of portions.  They don't exercise and drink 6 Cokes per day.  They drive everywhere and they don't go see the doctor.  It's cheaper to go to the Dollar Menu at McDonald's than buy fruits, veggies and fish to have for dinner... and it is quicker!
572169
Because they live in a god forsaken hell hole which consumes too many resources!\n\nThey live in their self-centred little world - I ask you how many things in the non-american home have the words 'Made in USA' on it? Very few I reckon!\n\nEverything in America is second rate - the people are a bunch of old inbred Europeans who are genetically designed to be FAT!\n\nGod Bless America - for what!? Embarrassing the world!\n\nWhat ever crap you hear about British Food being awful is a myth! Food in the UK is fantastic - thats why many of us are healthy - the unhealthy ones feast on AMERICAN shite!
1179004
Wow. Lots of excuses to be fat, arn't there?\n\nFirst, fad diets don't work. They work against the way the human body is meant to work, which is never healthy in the long run. (for example: everyone who followed that no-carb diet for a full year or more is going to end up with kidney problems within the next decade)\n\nAmericans live in a culture where food is offered as quick comfort. Foods are high in grease, fat, salt, artifical colors and flavors, refined sugars and bleached flour. Diets consist mostly of fats, with a severe lack of fruits and vegetables. Even meats, which have healthy fat that humans need, are often fried in oils or covered in gravies or sauces. \n\nHumans were not meant to survive on empty calories.\n\nAdd to the nutrition problem the fact that Americans don't have steady exercise in their lives. Compared to most countries, Americans spend a lot of time indoors. We go from bed to a car to a chair at a desk to a car to a sofa and back to bed. \n\nIn much of the world, few people would take a car 5 blocks to run an errand. In America, few people would spend 20 minutes walking somewhere they could reach by car in 5 minutes, even if they don't have anything to do afterward.\n\nSpending an hour in a gym 3 times a week doesn't make up for a lack of physical exertion during the rest of the week - and few people even do that.\n\nI heard a joke that a woman was going to have bariatric surgery. It was the only thing she hadn't tried besides diet and exercise.\n\nThe scary part is, most people would rather have surgery than be accountable for their own health and wellness. And they have no one to blame but themselves: not stress or glands or McDonalds.\n\nBut I guess personal accountability isn't an american value anymore, either.
951165
Mate, I was in India this time last year and the number of overweight people surprised me at first. Then I noticed how much sugar you guys consume. (Chai, chapattis, rotis, rice, etc.) The only people over there not putting on weight are the farmers and those in physical work. \nUnfortunately the west has brought its culture (Maccas and cola)and the desk jobs have greatly increased in India.\nForget Liposuction and the like, just get moving and cut back on those carbohydrates.