I disagree. I live in NYC, where automobiles are the least-convenient way to get around. People don't really eat much better here than anywhere else, but they walk around almost constantly. Everyone is hela fit.

Until you drift out to the outer boroughs where cars are more convenient, that is.

Also I think that the assertion that "people would be less sedentary if they felt healthier" requires evidence. Some people who feel healthy and energetic would still rather sit down and play videogames.

Any fitness system that requires carving time out of the day is doomed to failure; what works is fitness that is built into the things people already do. In other words, if you walk or bike everywhere, you don't have to make time to work out.

I can't stand sugar in savory foods. I had a friend tell me a handy tip at Thai restaurants is to ask for your food made with no sugar, so I tried it at my favorite place. The college student waiter got a wide eyed look on his face and lowered his voice to say "can't do that, and it's in _everything_."

It sucks that this is as commonplace as it is.

That's a key part of Thai cuisine though, isn't it?

I imagine you'd have an easier time at the nearest German restaurant. Not sure what they even could put sugar into and have any positive impact.

> I don't buy the "cars and suburbs" as a root cause argument

Why? I didn’t think the connection between infrastructure and transportation was particularly controversial. Also, real world problems often have multiple causes…

ahem Subway