Why is Lancaster’s population so flagrantly overweight?

According to the national Center for Disease Control, the national rate for obesity in 2010 had grown to 35.7%.   Those overweight, but not obese, amount to another 30%.  From personal observations, we would wager that the rate for obesity in the Lancaster area equals and likely exceeds the national average.

In Ontario, Canada (Toronto), in 2004 the rate of obesity was 22.7%.   While we were unable to obtain more recent figures, a relatively current article commented:  “The one bright note is that the major increase appears to have occurred from 2000 to 2007.  Rates were relatively stable from 2008 to 20011.”

We recently spent a few days in Toronto, a city now larger in population than Chicago. We visited the gigantic downtown Eaton Centre Mall on several occasions which allowed us to encounter a cross section of both the urban and suburban population. We also walked about downtown quite a bit.

Apart from the intriguing shapes of the skyscrapers, what struck our attention was the infrequent encounter of obese and even overweight individuals.  In the mall, we had to look hard and long to see an individual who appeared unfit.

Subsequently we visited Park City here in Lancaster.   It was startling to see what appeared to be a plethora of overweight individuals.  To our eyes, the ratio seemed at least five times as many as we encountered in downtown Toronto.

We also have notice while in Manhattan that there are far less overweight people, yet more than in Toronto.   We pondered why.

Part of the likely reason is that people who live in major cities do a lot more walking because it is convenient, relatively safe, and part of their life style. If short on milk, they don’t drive to the Giant. They walk a block or two to the convenience food store or super market.  We make a major shopping trip to the super market once a week; part of the pleasure of downtown big city life is shopping in small amounts almost daily.

To the extent that there are both French and Asian influence  (Thai restaurants are far more numerous than any other), the Canadian culture promotes moderate eating.

But we suspect that another reason is the far better economic opportunities and a more exciting environment.   These fends off depression that in turn  leads to over eating, often referred to as “comfort eating.”

Friends tell us that the population of Toronto grows by 35,000 per month.  So there must be something very attractive about the city.  A major excavation was underway across from our hotel for a high rise residential condominium project. The sign on the fence bragged “Sold out.”

We perhaps have become inured to it as we stuff our faces, but living in Lancaster can be just plain…(I’ll say it) … boring.  (Albeit Lancaster is a good place to raise a family.)

So if you have a weight problem, forget the pills, throw away your car keys, and move to Manhattan, Philadelphia, Baltimore and… better yet if you can get a work visa … Toronto.