Fat Land

Critser skillfully traces the enormous increase in obesity that has occurred in America over the past two decades. Sixty percent of adults in the U.S. are overweight and 20% are obese, according to statistics, and childhood obesity has doubled over the past twenty years. Chillingly, he quotes University of Colorado physiologist James O. Hill, who has said, “If obesity is left unchecked, all Americans will be overweight by 2050.”

Changes in lifestyle, child-rearing, physical education, exercise habits, and food-processing are the main culprits for increased obesity, Critser argues, and he supports these claims with numerous facts, quotes from experts, and well-reasoned arguments about the problems with food production, eating habits, and health in America.

Critser begins with an analysis of where fat comes from, identifying the introduction of palm oil and high fructose corn syrup (HFC) as major culprits in the declining quality of American food and increased obesity. In the early-mid 70s, palm oil began being used as a replacement for animal fat, and was (is) wrongly assumed to be healthy because it is plant-based. But palm oil, called “tree lard” by some—is more highly saturated in fat than hog lard, and a major contender for first place in the obesity-causing category. We’re fatter because in the last 20 years, this oil has begun appearing in fast food and packaged food because it is cheap and extends products’ shelf life. High fructose corn syrup, also wrongly thought not to be harmful because of its corn-based origins, is included in soda pop and many prepared foods. It is digested by the body differently than naturally-occurring sugars, wreaking havoc on metabolism and being stored as fat.

Admirably, Critser’s concerns with fat focus very little on appearance, in fact, it is rarely mentioned. Instead, his focus is on the health and financial consequences of overweight and obesity. Alarming increases in type 2 diabetes are the chief concern. Ordinarily a teen or adult onset illness, doctors are reporting huge numbers of children as young eight years old with the disease. In some parts of the country, the rate of increase of new cases among children has rised 45 percent. Numerous other obesity-related illnesses plague us, as well, including orthopedic problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, increased risk of certain cancers, and “pseudotumor cerebri” –brain tumors caused when excess weight presses on the heart and lungs, causing pressure on the vein from the brain to the heart.

I can’t possibly summarize the incredible wealth of information in this book, nor can I overemphasize its importance to all readers, but especially parents and educators. Critser soundly discusses the threats against our health that are made by fast foods, prepared foods, and the lack of exercise and common sense that permeate our society. Reading this book will make some people uncomfortable—but a little discomfort will be worth it if we’re healthier and make better life choices because of it.