[manaboutown]

A fellow I know who moved here from India was visited by his observant brother who commented "What a country! Even the poor people get to be fat!".

Actually it is our diet, especially fast food, which is loaded with sugar, fat and salt and comes in huge servings. Many people, poor and rich alike (think Warren Buffett), eat regularly at McDonalds, KFC and the like. That can lead to obesity.

Over the last 60 years my weight has varied plus or minus 10 pounds from what my MD tells me is a healthy weight for me. When I want to lose I eat more salad and cut back on higher calorie food such as sweets. I only eat a hamburger or french fries a couple times a year, usually at an airport or at a pit stop on a road trip and I order a small side of fries.

I remember my first trip to France. The portions served at restaurants were a fraction of what is served in the USA. They were sufficient and satisfying. Too, back in the 1950s the hamburgers were smaller and the side of fries much less than what I see today. Also Coca Cola at the soda fountain and in bottles came in much smaller portions. That was way before I ever saw obese people waddling around with Big Gulps clenched in their fists. Folks, it's portion control!

Now some people may not be able to control their appetites and may benefit from Overeaters Anonymous or other support groups. I know a few for whom their weight has been a long term struggle.