40-Somethings - So how is this for depressing??

I saw the drawing on the left in our paper this morning, alongside an article about obesity. It's a play on a famous drawing by Leonardo Da Vinci, which I've added as a side-by-side. I put on my own version of a fig leaf in case it was offensive to anyone... ;)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/triceratops789/postgazetteman.jpg http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/triceratops789/davinciman.jpg

Is anyone else finding that obesity is getting a lot of airplay in your area, too? This was accompanied by a chart indicating the Pennsylvania ranked #37 in thinness. We moved here from Massachusetts, which ranked #2 in thinness. We've definitely noticed the difference!

I lived in minneapolis for 2 years now, and don't notice obesity to be as much of a problem here as it is in Iowa (where i'm from). I do notice a lot on the local news that they'll talk about obesity and its growing problem. Where did you find the stats on rankings for thinness?

Well since I live in like the 3rd fattest state we here alot about obesity on the tv.

I lived in minneapolis for 2 years now, and don't notice obesity to be as much of a problem here as it is in Iowa (where i'm from). I do notice a lot on the local news that they'll talk about obesity and its growing problem. Where did you find the stats on rankings for thinness?

The stats accompanied the article in my local paper (Pittsburgh Post Gazette). I've put a link to them here.

http://www.post-gazette.com/images4/20090802obesityrisksgraphic_500.png

Huh, I guess I'm in one of the so-called less fat states, but it still seems epidemic.

I moved from MA to the UK and I have to say, obesity here is getting as bad as in the States. Actually, I think I read that the UK is the fattest European nation. I work part time in a pub and last night a very large lady came in with her equally large teen daughter (300-400lbs) and they immediately demanded extra bread - they already had a basket that we give every table and then they wanted extra chips and sticky toffee pudding and I just felt so sorry for them. Especially for the daughter. It was really hard to serve them as I felt I was contributing to their problem. I just wanted to say, 'Do you really want this food?' But, of course, it's none of my business. So sad.

I moved from Tennessee(listed #48) last year to New York (listed #15)

Oops, just noticed this is the 40 somethings. Sorry for intruding! Though I am just under 2 years of being 40 :D :hug:

I just noticed my state is number 17. It's interesting when you think of all the things your state offers in way of outdoor activities and city activities. Also, when you think of the cuisine that is popular among the locales.

Hmm, I moved from #43 state to #44. However I have to say in the specific town I live in, physical activity participation is way above where I come from. It doesn't seem to matter how many gyms are opened, they're always busy. The Y opened an extra branch in this pretty small town (@15K) and at peak times you can't get into either one. The historic district I live in seems to have people walking or jogging throughout the daylight hours. Pretty cool actually (except when I'm trying to get an open lap lane at one of the pools!)

I mostly watch cable news and have noticed with health care reform as the number one issue the administration is dealing with that many issues especially obesity and drug addiction are been talked about. Even heard it suggested that to be able to receive government aid you would have to take a drug test. Personally I don't have a problem with that nor do I have a problem with charging more in insurance just like they do with smokers.

Just wanted to add that I moved from #21 to #10 and gained about 50 pounds.

I know MI is right up there ... we are a pudgy lot! Winter is long and ugly. I've had this rant before and call me a terrible cynic, but IMHO this has gotten to the point where the food industry, the health industry, Big Pharm, the government, and the insurance industry are darn close to colluding in keeping everyone as unhealthy as possible. Think about how much money is being made with "lifestyle drugs", convenience foods, and treating all these horrible chronic diseases that go along with supreme indulgence - are they gonna give that up willingly? It's a huge portion of the GDP. Sadly - money talks, and I just don't believe that it's in ANYONE's best interest but mine for me to be healthy.

Sadly - money talks, and I just don't believe that it's in ANYONE's best interest but mine for me to be healthy.

I totally agree with this, and feel it every time I walk through Wal-Mart past all the aisles and aisles of junk food.

I think Denver is supposed to be one of the fittest cities in the country and if that's so, we're in trouble as there are plenty of morbidly obese people here too. Sad that it's such a problem for so many.

I am not sure where Washington State is on the Charts but I see lots of obese people around here.

wow, sc is number 46! yet it seems like everyone I know is dieting and looking for ways to lose weight.

We live in PA, and took a vacation to CA last May. We noticed right away how much thinner the population was there. Also saw a lot more runners out! We used to live in FL, and we always saw people out running. It was while we lived in FL that I first developed my interest in running.

We live in PA, and took a vacation to CA last May. We noticed right away how much thinner the population was there. Also saw a lot more runners out!

That's scary if we're so much thinner. When I people watch, I don't think we're doing so hot.

I am in the 47th state, and you know what? I am NOT surprised! By the way, off topic a little bit, but my daughter is on WIC and they have gone ORGANIC!!! Yeah! Nice to see the Government cares about our women and children getting proper nutrition!

ryanne: my grandchildren are on wic as well, and I've noticed they have a much better selection of healthy food options then when my kids were on wic years ago. they are still resistant to adjusting what they receive based on the kids needs though, I have a friend whose 9 month old refuses to eat baby food, he's eating real food only. I think she has to wait 3 months before they change his vouchers. Crazy!