Do We Look Fat in These Suburbs?

[Arugula Latte]

3. Just my two cents, but I think there are cultural factors that go beyond walking v. driving

that are affecting obesity and weight gain in the USA. I've noticed that attitudes toward food and eating tend to be different in urban areas (I've lived in both 'burbs and cities). Right now I live on the edge of a city, although the lifestyle and housing is more suburban in nature. There is very, very little obesity at my kids' high school. However, I notice more obesity among kids and parents in the close-in suburbs. Some of the difference is socio-economic, with wealthier areas seeing less obesity. But that's not the whole story. In our neighborhood many people emphasize healthy eating (going to farmers' markets, etc.), and that attitude tends to be contagious. Of course, it is much easier to eat healthily if you can afford fresh produce and the like. I guess what I'm saying is that it is all very complicated.