We've just got back from the States and I am convinced it is the sheer availability of food that causes the obesity problem. You can't move more than 100 yds (if that) before there's another 'dunkin donuts' 'wendys' 'taco bell' there is food everywhere and most of it except the donuts, is covered in cheese. The portion sizes seem to have reduced a bit since I was last there but they're still enormous. (or is it that UK portion sizes have increased and I've got used to it)

I feel really sorry for anyone in the US who wants to loose weight, it must be torture. There is food everywhere you look and most of it available 20 if not 24 hours a day. You'd have to have remarkable willpower to resist such a constant onslaught.

Having lost nearly four stone a few years ago I know how difficult it is to get it off and keep it off, I'm glad we moved to France as I'm sure this has helped me keep it off - even with the wine and cheese, but supermarkets close on Sundays and for lunch - restaurants open for lunch and then for dinner - very few are open all day everyday. One springs to mind - yes you guessed it - McDonalds !!,