Somewhat bitter opinion? I think a lot of it is how sedentary our culture is. I don't think it's a coincidence that in areas with the most opportunity for doing things with friends outdoors, biking or walking to work, etc that you see far less fat people. Part of it's a chicken and egg deal. But I really think that fat people miss a lot of the wakeup calls because in most areas even the thin people are horribly out of shape and sedentary.