This just in: America is expanding – not by miles, but by pounds. New data from Gallup-Healthways shows that in the past year, the number of Americans considered obese has jumped by 1.7 percent. That’s almost 5.5 million more people who have a body mass index (BMI) over 30. People are gaining weight because their eating and exercise habits are changing. They’re no longer able to afford healthy foods, and since fast food is much less expensive, more and more people are turning toward Big Macs and Happy Meals instead of pricier lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and veggies. Not only that, but the stress of losing a job or worrying about keeping yours can cause people to

indulge in junk food. Pinching pennies also means luxuries such as gym memberships and personal trainers may no longer be in the budget. Since many people have been laid off, the ones who still have jobs are asked to pick up the slack and do extra work, so there’s not much energy or time to exercise, even for those who can afford it. So tell me, has saving money affected your waistline? Source Has the Recession Caused You to Gain Weight? Yes, the recession has caused me to gain weight. No, actually I’ve lost weight. No, the recession hasn’t affected my weight.

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Has the Recession Caused You to Gain Weight?