Why Are We So Fat?

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and deaths from cancer. Overall they found that people who were markedly obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40 were more than 50% more likely to die of cancer than those whose weight was proportional to height. The risk came from many different types of cancer including cancer of the colon and rectum; liver; gall bladder; pancreas, kidney, and other sites and types. They concluded that obesity accounts for 14% of all cancer deaths in men, and 20% of all cancer deaths in women. This research didn't even include all the other risks that come with obesity. They include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure. Extra weight can put stress on the joints and cause or aggravate arthritis. The burden placed on our medical insurance costs is significant. In addition, it is a hidden but significant expense in our taxes. People are living longer, and those with illnesses stemming from being overweight are a significant part of those who are over 65 and ...

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to criticize both McDonald's and Hardee's (and Pizza Hut, apparently with less cause), the truth is that anyone can walk into any of these places and find ways to limit their caloric consumption -- by drinking water or a diet soda, and by eating more salad and less meat, cheese and bread. While some suggest that we should go further and curb advertising, the truth is that the Constitution allows companies to advertise their wares.
The answer to why Americans are getting fat may not be as simple as the size of Hardee's biggest hamburger or Pizza Hut's biggest pizza, because the truth is that every single American could march into Hardee's today and eat a Monster Burger, and it would ...

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