In fact, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that substance abuse itself is lower in families that eat together three times a week, food being many people's preferred substance.
Of course there are other reasons for the national glut.
Food deserts (not "desserts," though related) make it hard for people to stay thin. A 2010 study by the University of California, Berkeley and Columbia University found 9th graders whose schools are close to fast food restaurants are fatter. And The New York Times found that both adults and children who ride public transit are thinner. Walk a lot but not to Wendy's seems to be the message.
Size inflation also contributes to obesity -- and its denial. Women's size fives are now size zeros and stretchy leggings always "fit." And how about hip hop looks that aren't supposed to fit anyway?
There are also more food "ops" today with snacks available in banks, bookstores, body shops and hospitals and of course many eating more as they try to quit smoking.
At least they get to be indoors.
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