Australia Blog

I spent a year in Australia fro 1992-1993 and remember commenting to friends that it was surprising there were so few obese people considering the fried foods and beer.

11 years later its all changed. Living in Bali I see plane loads of Aussies arriving every week and I tell you its shocking how the population seems to have put on weight.

I attribute this to the 'snacking culture' and easy reach items in malls along with the use of computers and electronic games. In 1992 people weren't sitting in front of a PC chatting they were out doing things. Young kids were playing sports now I overhear parents shopping for Playstation 2.

I think the Aussie government needs to address this as a serious health issue is building. Fast food definitely plays a part in the nation's health.

Rather limited release in the States also. A documentary aimed at a huge, huge population that is getting huge-r. This type of movie usually attracts a limited audience, unfortunately.

It's on my list to see - absolutely and definitely. And, yes, I also think every student should watch this film, and a few (more than a few) adults.

Sorry Australians are also in the over-size, extra large category.

I agree with Nick - less exercise, easy access to snacks that are "in your face," fast food eateries that are affordable for most everyone, passtimes aimed at sedentary rather than phyically active games.

The film is picking up a lot of solid grassroots momentum and it's being shown in a descent number of theatres in the United States - not as much as it should be, though. It's getting good reviews and is pretty funny, so surprisingly, I have heard of a huge number of people going to see it - perhaps because it has the words "Supersize me." People naturally say "yes, please, I will take one," when in fact they realized they just purchased a movie ticket, not a burger!

That's funny, Donovan. I hadn't heard that. Have you seen it? Besides Chris, I know of no one who has.