More calories equals more body weight

Exercise plays less of a role, says study

By Kim Carlson

May 11, 2009

A new study shows that the rise in obesity in America over the last several decades mirrors the increase in the amount of food we eat — and that changes in exercise patterns have been less significant:

“This study demonstrates that the weight gain in the American population seems to be virtually all explained by eating more calories. It appears that changes in physical activity played a minimal role,” said the study’s leader, Professor Boyd Swinburn, chair of population health and director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention at Deakin University in Australia.

Maybe Earl Butz's vision of cheap food has simply become too much of a good thing.

Meanwhile, the Oregonian reports on one trim Supreme Court Justice’s low-calorie lunch:

Many will remember Justice David Souter for judicial reasons. His incisive questions. His vigilance in behalf of the Supreme Court’s record. But here’s something else that is unforgettable about the guy: His lunch. One apple a day, core and all. Plus some yogurt. That’s it.

Inspiring?