Are Americans really as FAT as people think they are?

Ok, so today, after I got out of class, I went to sit down on a bench waiting for the shuttle bus to arrive. For some reason, I started to think about how most of the people I see are NOT fat at all. So I decided to conduct my impromptu experiment. The area I was in on campus has a lot of people passing by. So, based on looks, I started counting how many people were "fat". Out of 100 people that I counted, 5 of them were "fat"... and 1 out of those 5 is what I would call "obease".

So basically, only 5% of those 100 people that walked by were fat. And only 1% were obease. And I live in Texas, which is known for being one of the fattest states. So where do these statistics come from that something like 30% of Americans are OBEASE?

I just found this today:

I honestly don't get it. And one more thought... I always find it funny that British and Australians make fun of Americans for being fat... when they are also one of the fattest countries on earth.

So basically, only 5% of those 100 people that walked by were fat.BMD004

There's your problem. You were sampling from the walking population, not the general population.

Well, you were on campus, so your sample doesn't really represent the population as a whole.blackheart1889

[QUOTE="BMD004"]So basically, only 5% of those 100 people that walked by were fat.Oleg_Huzwog

There's your problem. You were sampling from the walking population, not the general population.

[QUOTE="BMD004"]So basically, only 5% of those 100 people that walked by were fat.Oleg_Huzwog

There's your problem. You were sampling from the walking population, not the general population.

[QUOTE="BMD004"]So basically, only 5% of those 100 people that walked by were fat.Oleg_Huzwog

There's your problem. You were sampling from the walking population, not the general population.

Plus the campus population, which in itself tends to select for younger, fitter people.

[QUOTE="blackheart1889"]Well, you were on campus, so your sample doesn't really represent the population as a whole.xaos

I know this was not a highly scientific experiment at all lol. But everybody has to walk around campus no matter if you are fat or skinny... it's just how you have to get around.

But even in general, out in public places, I don't really see many obease people.

[QUOTE="blackheart1889"]Well, you were on campus, so your sample doesn't really represent the population as a whole.xaos

Oleg and your comments made my day.

Finally! I can say mexico is better than USA at something.

So basically, only 5% of those 100 people that walked by were fat.BMD004

There's your problem. You were sampling from the walking population, not the general population.

I thought Canada would be higher, esp. with the amount of poutine we eat :D

yes, they are

[QUOTE="BMD004"]So basically, only 5% of those 100 people that walked by were fat.Oleg_Huzwog

There's your problem. You were sampling from the walking population, not the general population.

I see tons of fat people around here in TX. Some are so morbidly obese that you literally have to take another path to get by.

Mr_Cumberdale

Just a little too big for the sidewalk?

Five out of the top six obese countries are English speaking countries. What gives?

Five out of the top six obese countries are English speaking countries. What gives?

Hexagon_777

[QUOTE="Mr_Cumberdale"]

I see tons of fat people around here in TX. Some are so morbidly obese that you literally have to take another path to get by.

Necrifer

Just a little too big for the sidewalk?

[QUOTE="Necrifer"]

[QUOTE="Mr_Cumberdale"]

I see tons of fat people around here in TX. Some are so morbidly obese that you literally have to take another path to get by.

comp_atkins

Just a little too big for the sidewalk?

can't be bothered to use a sidewalk...

I have this dirt road behind behind my house. Everyone on the street hates it when people drive back there. But as if driving back there isn't enough, some ass actually walks their dog like that on it.:x

i'm not fat

Jandurin

Neither am I. We're like superheroes!

But as if driving back there isn't enough, some ass actually walks their dog like that on it.:x

Necrifer

[QUOTE="Necrifer"]

But as if driving back there isn't enough, some ass actually walks their dog like that on it.:x

Jandurin

People... actually... drive.... walk.... their.... dogs......??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! I think I would. I don't even. W...

It makes less sense than your comment.

i'm not fatJandurin

[QUOTE="BMD004"]So basically, only 5% of those 100 people that walked by were fat.Oleg_Huzwog

There's your problem. You were sampling from the walking population, not the general population.

[QUOTE="Jandurin"]i'm not fathorgen123

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100923/ap_on_he_me/eu_oecd_getting_fatter

Three out of four Americans will be overweight or obese by 2020, and disease rates and health care spending will balloon, unless governments, individuals and industry cooperate on a comprehensive strategy to combat the epidemic, the study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said.

Some people with a high BMI do not look fat.

Im_single

Do not look fat?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100923/ap_on_he_me/eu_oecd_getting_fatter

Three out of four Americans will be overweight or obese by 2020, and disease rates and health care spending will balloon, unless governments, individuals and industry cooperate on a comprehensive strategy to combat the epidemic, the study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said.

majwill24

Pretty fail seeing as its using BODY MASS INDEX.. A system created by a guy in the 1800s in a field that wasn't health related what so ever..

[QUOTE="Im_single"]

Some people with a high BMI do not look fat.

Necrifer

Do not look fat?

Three out of four Americans will be overweight or obese by 2020majwill24

[QUOTE="Im_single"]

Some people with a high BMI do not look fat.

Necrifer

Do not look fat?

If your a athlete chances are your going to be at least overweight under the BMI scale..