Chuck
03-20-2006, 11:07 AM
Another one of those related topics.
This moring I was skimming the Time zine article on The Politics of Fat (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1174679-2,00.html). (link good for just a few days). The obvious implications of a fatter America is rising health costs, but not so obvious is worse fuel economy. It's more subtle than gaining 40 pounds since college might exact a 1% penality on your mpg.
Most families have both parents working, so more meals microwavable entrees. We also eat out more. Of course the dinears will add on the calories and portions to encourage repeat business. People sleep less, meaning more raids on the icebox. I remember drinking icewater, but steadily drinking more and more cola.... A rushed life encouarges stress, and it causes weight gain and "comfort food" binges.
As people become bigger, they buy bigger clothes, and eventually, bigger vehicles. Over the last twenty years, the average American vehicle has gained 1,000 pounds. It's a tribute to the engineers that the average mpg has remained steady instead of dropping.
As a nation, if we slimmed down, we would probably drive smaller vehicles as a whole. Many would not change a thing, but it's a factor to some. Some of us might be able to walk or bike for some activities once in awhile.
In an ironic twist of fuel conservation, the South traditionally deep fried foods because it took less energy. It also keep the home from getting as hot, esp. during the summer.
I don't know how much "weight" my opinion carries, but there it is...
This moring I was skimming the Time zine article on The Politics of Fat (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1174679-2,00.html). (link good for just a few days). The obvious implications of a fatter America is rising health costs, but not so obvious is worse fuel economy. It's more subtle than gaining 40 pounds since college might exact a 1% penality on your mpg.
Most families have both parents working, so more meals microwavable entrees. We also eat out more. Of course the dinears will add on the calories and portions to encourage repeat business. People sleep less, meaning more raids on the icebox. I remember drinking icewater, but steadily drinking more and more cola.... A rushed life encouarges stress, and it causes weight gain and "comfort food" binges.
As people become bigger, they buy bigger clothes, and eventually, bigger vehicles. Over the last twenty years, the average American vehicle has gained 1,000 pounds. It's a tribute to the engineers that the average mpg has remained steady instead of dropping.
As a nation, if we slimmed down, we would probably drive smaller vehicles as a whole. Many would not change a thing, but it's a factor to some. Some of us might be able to walk or bike for some activities once in awhile.
In an ironic twist of fuel conservation, the South traditionally deep fried foods because it took less energy. It also keep the home from getting as hot, esp. during the summer.
I don't know how much "weight" my opinion carries, but there it is...