1546 Big Country

Much has been said about America's obesity problem. And one phrase sums it up. It keeps growing. It's hard to see why not. Every day we're bombarded with new delicacies loaded with the three most addictive substances on the planetSugar, Salt, and Fat.
And who cares? We can always take fat, beta, or plaque-blocking drugs.
There's talk that partly it's because we don't exercise enough. But there sure seem to be more health clubs out there than you can shake a rubber balancing ball at. And more shaking-your-booty classes too. From Jazzercise to Zumba to pole-dancing Pilates.
So I'm not sure it's slack of exercise. In fact, a recent survey found that it’s our basic calorie intake that’s grown significantly in the last three decades. From eating an average of 3.8 meals and snacks a day to 4.9. The average consumer—and I do mean consumer—consumes about 2,375 calories a day. About 32% more than in the 70s.
American obesity goes up 32% because we consume 32% more calories. I wonder if they're related.
Maybe it's all because of "roll" models like Joey Chestnut. AKA Joey "Jaws" Chestnut. Joey is a competitive eater. With the exception of Japan's Sumos, you don't see a lot of cultures who embrace the idea of competitive eating. And the Sumos eat to compete, wrestling with their bulk. We compete eating. Gorging on apple pies, chicken wings, and hot dogs.
Joey got the record by eating 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes. That's 19,158 calories, 1,246 grams of fat, 2,170 grams of cholesterol, and 42,408 milligrams of sodium.
Hot dog!
By the way, I'm all for product placement advertising, but I do think his Lipitor sponsor T-Shirt was a little much.
Although Joey is from Statin Island.
America, ya gotta love it.