Dr. David Kessler, pediatrician and former head of the FDA, has written a book (official publication date Friday) titled The End of Overeating, which argues that obesity is not the result of character flaws but of chemical dependency on the junk in food. And not just junk food, either. Everyone from cereal companies to restaurant chains (from quesadillas at Chili's to Frappuccinos at Starbucks) does it, manipulating our tastebuds and appetite centers for maximum profit. Along with the new film Food, Inc. (playing at the Egyptian), the book is sure fuel the flames of food industry regulation, though not before our Fourth of July hotdog roast. more ›

According to the recently released "F as in Fat" report, almost 25% of Washington residents are obese. However, according to another recently released study, we are also the 12th healthiest state in the nation overall. Despite 24.5% of the state's population being considered obese, Washington is only the 32nd most obese state in the country. Surprising no one, Mississippi is the most overweight state in the country (can you say fried everything?) and Colorado is the trimmest. The dueling reports make us want to go for a jog, with a stop at Ezell's on the route home. more ›