It seems that although the girths of our population are growing, interest in fitness and dieting isn't. Of course, this seems logical to me. If people were interested in fitness and nutrition, we wouldn't have this problem in the first place. Still, there is an interesting article outlining the problem, citing economic uncertainty as a factor in the relatively low number of gym memberships, sales in fitness equipment, memberships to Weight Watchers and other diet centers. People have put their debt before their health, forgoing gym memberships and other discretionary purchases.

Interesting though is the surge in popularity in the new fitness chain Curves. The women-only chain was called the "fastest growing chain in history" according to Entrepreneur Magazine, and according to the article, a new chain opens up every four hours! Part of their success may be due it's appeal "to overweight, nonathletic women who've never done anything." To read more, click here.