I measure my waist and I'm 33-34". I have to buy 32" pants. At Costco and many other stores, I'm lucky if I can find a pair. Usually starts now at 34". So yes, vanity sizes for men too.
Also, I don't think we have a chance at solving the obesity problem. Weight loss centers aren't about losing weight permanently, they're about allowing people to save face that they're doing something to lose weight. How many people go on a diet and really think it's going to work.
Eschewing carbs, eating high fat and protein is the narrative that has won the day. Carbs are evil. Doesn't matter that's what created civilization, or that the largest mammals on earth are solely carb eating machines.
Close on that answer---- the centers are about making money.
To eat a more healthy meal, requires a bit of planning ahead, and probably spending more than what a meal in a box costs.
In our poorer days, we ate a lot of the "meals in a box" type stuff, but our genetics, youth and activity levels allowed any calories to be good calories. We are now 66-- spouse is 5/8ish 142#s and I am 5/11 160#s.
We also bike, kayak and walk. We think of mowing the lawn as a form or exercise and laugh at the thought that to do a repair on our 3rd floor requires a couple of trips up and down 3 flights of stairs.
As our responsibilities at home and work decreased(before retirement) our food selection improved but also became a tad more time consuming in terms of shopping/purchasing, and prep versus the "food in a box".
Had our first truly "fast food" in 3+ years recently. We were doing a quick run "below the bridge". But it was cheap, fast and convenient- these are the buzz words for what many people eat today. Hopefully it will be another 3 years again.
We have done this to ourselves and we are seeing the results in our medical care costs, the expansion in the sizes of automotive cockpits, the dumbing down of clothing sizes.
We live in a tourist town and see all shapes and sizes. Mostly tho we see round and waddling spheres stuffing there faces and loose of their kids. It fine on vacation but sadly that must be diet at all times.
I'm happy that so many people have health issues from their lifestyle choices. We and most of you here also, make a decent return on our money from investments in the TSM etc that occur because of the lifestyle this country is developing.
Those of us, who because of genetics or ambition who avoid the trap will make out well finanacially.
We have seen the enemy and he is us. Pogo