jjp wrote:
So Men's Fitness has its "fattest cities" list out again, of course
it's all over the news.

This "study" by Men's Fitness is junk science. What's really sad is
that other sources report it as if scientific fact.

You know what operationalizations (ways to measure) obesity they used?
Things such as number of pizza and ice cream joints, weather, and
number of sporting goods stores. That tells us nothing about what the
people actually look like.

i don't think anyone who knows the word "science" thinks that it applies to
this list.

actually i did a google search to see of the news srories used the word. of
the many (260?) people happily punning their wat through the story, just on
used the word to say:

[Mayor Ed Garza, who has promoted healthy living with a Fit City/Fit School
initiative, said he doesn't think the survey carries much weight. "I really
don't put much into that specific ranking. There's not necessarily any
science behind it," he said. "Everyone knows New Year's is the time to put
more effort in eating right and exercising - this gives us more
motivation."]

http://news.mysanantonio.com/story.c...80&xlc=1108235

The CDC also did a study. It was much more scientific and looked at
BMIs. I don't know why that one isn't reported more often.

strangely, the above story says the Men's Fitness is based in part on the
CDC rank.

i think the bottom line is that is effective publicity for Men's Fitness ...
it got you to post :-)