Book Read

Fat Land: How Americans Became the Fattest People in the World by Greg Critser

Dear sweet God, our nation is fat.

According to a graph in this book, Missouri (21.6%) was barely behind Michigan (21.8%) for the Midwest states with the percent of adults whose body mass index (BMI) is over 30 (or obese) in 2000. Iowa came in at 20.8. Don't worry: the Southern states like Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi (#1 of the 50 states at 24.3%) are kicking the Midwest's ass.

The book has some interesting statistics and facts. For example, you can thank David Wallerstein for introducing the concept of different sizes (aka "value meals" or "supersizing") of food servings. He first introduced it with popcorn at his movie theaters, then went on to share his concepts while working at McDonalds. I suggest you read this book, then follow it up with a viewing of the documentary Super-Size Me. I guarantee you'll swear off McDonald's and stick your finger down your throat after eating any fast food.