New Yorkers Are Smoking Less, Drinking More, Getting Fat. Just Like the Rest of America!
That’s right! We’re getting fatter. Both in America and right here in New York. While New York’s obesity rate is still below the national average of 27.6%, it has increased in the last 15 years from 13.9%-24.5%. But New York is below the national average in all of those unhealthy behaviors mentioned, you might be saying! New York, the whole NORTHEAST even, are not in such bad shape. Well, think again! Because while obesity, tobacco use, and lack of exercise are most prevalent in the southeastern part of the United States, it’s the northeastern part of the country that has problems with drinking. And I guess statistics don’t lie—though they sure as hell can be manipulated—but, wow, don’t those stats line up with every weird stereotype of what Americans in different parts of the country are like!
Apparently, all the talk about WASPs drinking gin and tonics starting at 4 in the afternoon is really true because the northeast is FULL of both heavy and binge drinkers. All those men getting on the Metro-North and heading up to Chappaqua are doubtlessly part of the reason why New York’s heavy drinking numbers rose from 2.4%-4.5% in the last 15 years. Wait. Only 4.5% of New Yorkers drink more than one or two drinks a day? That seems so low! Everyone I know must be a total anomaly. Because we are the 4.5%, you know?
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