America's Most Obese Cities

Forbes ^ | 11/25/07 | Rebecca Ruiz

[weegee]

Houston non-ping. We got nosed out by Austin this time around.

But in the past such surveys were “flawed” because they culled the number of fast food restaurants in certain catergories by the number found on yellowpages.com, cited the number of health clubs, and then bemoaned the lack of mountains “for exercise” in Houston.

[goldstategop]

Its time for liberals to exit the planet! To eliminate obesity and to help solve global warming!

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Fester Chugabrew]

Good beer and BBQ to blame.

[MotleyGirl70]

Grilled onions on my hash browns, yum!

That's how I make mine; there's no other way!

[Calpernia]

>>>>Want to have some fun? Ask a liberal why it is such a large percentage of obese children are from lower income families.

Lower income families tend to eat more processed food. That produces an interesting phenomenon, overweight, malnourished people.

[Fester Chugabrew]

Forgot to add Bush.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

And Billy Beer?

[Slapshot68]

“Lower income families tend to eat more processed food. That produces an interesting phenomenon, overweight, malnourished people.”

I also read that they do not exercise much either, which doesn’t help.

[Allegra]

But in the past such surveys were “flawed” because they culled the number of fast food restaurants in certain catergories by the number found on yellowpages.com, cited the number of health clubs, and then bemoaned the lack of mountains “for exercise” in Houston.

But...but....what about West Mount Houston? ;-)

[gracesdad]

“I was surprised to see so many southern cities on the list. Wasn’t it once thought that people who live in warmer climates year-around live healthier lives; according to this list apparently not.”

Here’s the list of most obese states: Mississippi, West Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana, tie between South Carolina and Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, tie between Indiana and Michigan, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Georgia and Ohio.

Given that, I was surprised there weren’t MORE Southern cities. Traditional Southern foods are yummy but not healthy. And in the far South people cope with the heat by moving slowly and not going outside. Less exercise.

[Labyrinthos]

I figured NYC would make the top 5.

I bet NYC is one of the leanest/fittest cities in the Country because we tend to work long hours and walk rather than drive relatively short distances.

I suspect that if Disney World were a city, it would come in Number 1. I have never seen more fat people that at Disney World in Orlando.

[freepertoo]

I’m beginning my certification as a fitness trainer in January...I have no comment! LOL! :-D

[Our man in washington]

“Walking in Memphis”

It’s not just a song—it’s something people in Memphis should actually do some day.

[steve8714]

Don’t forget, though, the definitions of “obese” and “overweight” were changed a couple of years ago.

[Vigilanteman]

In this case, participants report their height and weight, which survey analysts use to calculate a BMI. Those with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 are considered at a healthy weight, those with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight, and those with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered obese. About 32% of the nation is obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control; Memphis ranked above the national average at 34%.

And herein lies the problem. If you aren't built like Barbie or Ken, you are obese by these loose standards.

Look at this site by our national institute for health.

My BMI is 30.6, so I'm obese by these standards. On the other hand, Troy Polamalu, my favorite player on the Pittsburgh Steelers is 30.4. I think my age justifies the 0.2 difference. Alan Faneca, left guard for the team, is 36.4. Even Jeff Reed, our kicker, is 31.4. Willie Parker, our speedy halfback, is right on the line at 30.0. I could go on, but you get the point-- probably 75% of the Pittsbugh Steelers, one of the best teams in the AFC, is obese by these asinine BMI standards.

[weegee]

You can deduct medical expenses from your taxes (and even bank medical dollars tax free but would have trouble rolling it over from year to year).

Why must all “medical expenses” be for treating problems? Why can’t some of it be used for preventative care including health club dues and equipment? You’ll have to ask Ted Kennedy, a wealthy fat cat who inherited his money who defends the inheritance tax (which has never seemed to affect his family) and blocks efforts to be able to roll over personal medical savings from year to year.

[Greg F]

Government subsidizes high calorie junk foods for one thing. Example, high fructose corn syrup. Junk food calories are cheaper than whole food calories.

[Calpernia]

>>>>I also read that they do not exercise much either, which doesn’t help.

Now you did it. Now we will have to subsidize gym memberships.

Hush!

[weegee]

I do recall at least one or two movies (one was made for tv) that added mountains to Houston’s skyline.

[cmsgop]

You could put Grilled Onions in your Hash Browns, wait what the hell are we talking about here ???? :*)