Seattle's image versus other cities

[Rage]

I can't comment on the people in Seattle since I was there only for 3 days this past summer, but I have spent ALOT of time on Vancouver Island and I have to agree with doni. Don't get me wrong, I have lived 50 of my past 52 years in the south and deep south (land of dixie and all). Since I'm now looking at it from a nursing point of view the people here in Tennessee/Alabama/NC/SC/Ga/La/Miss (left Fl out on purpose since they are all transplants) as a whole are....well......ahem....... large. Childhood obesity is on the rise as well as adolescence MI's(heart attacks) and CVA's (strokes). Coupling the baby boomer generation hitting the medical system and the growing waistline of the USA is one of the major reason I decided to get into nursing at this age.

Remember real southern food is mostly fried..........fried=fat, fat=excess storage/high cholesterol/arteriosclerosis, it's the culture.

I have to apoligize if I read the rating wrong.........but I thought attractiveness meant in general women AND men. With that in consideration it becomes a matter of gender mix right?

[kmfseattle]

I think it's all a matter of perspective, what you're into, etc. that defines attractiveness (so cliche, but true!). Seattle doesn't feel nearly as plastic as other areas of the country, the southwest in particular. With that said, plastic seems to be synonymous with attractive in many respects and circles. There does, however, seem to be far fewer that fall into the "hot until they open their mouth" category than in other areas of the country.

We don't have sunny beaches, only moderate weather, etc. Seems there isn't as much focus on perfecting your exterior here as a result, since there's ultimately fewer opportunities to display it outright. People DO tend to be in better shape here though due to the relation to high impact nature stuff - it's nice going to the gym and seeing people actually working out, rather than ogling themselves and their overpriced workout gear in the mirror all day.

[Vripper]

I think we rank #1 in the "Smugness" category.

[_Charles_]

People typically gain weight after moving to Seattle. The weather and the cold, souless social environment - causes it to happen.

[SaltyDawg]

That's absurd.

Having traveled extensively, I think it's safe to say that the urban areas of the West Coast and Northeast are by far the most in-shape areas of the US. The South is embarassing, and I was shocked at how fat Texans are. Obviously there are exceptions, but just take a look at the freeway cultures of the South and the fat-laden chain restaurants, then add in the fact that nobody walks anywhere (particularly during the summer), and it makes some sense.

The rural areas of Washington/Oregon are indeed quite a bit larger - same 'drive everywhere' feel to them.

I walk so much in Seattle and have such easy access to my gym that I've lost 10 lbs in the past year with no major changes... just the fact that I can actually walk and be outside in every season of the year. Add skiing, jogging, golf, hiking, etc and you're talking about a lot of outdoor activity.

[pwright1]

People do not gain weight after moving to Seattle. We are one of the fittest cities in the U.S. I love walking in Seattle. If you live in the suburbs and drive everywhere then maybe things are different. I walk a lot year around in this city. Temps are pretty moderate throughout the year so I walk often. Is 45 too cold for you? Where I come from it isn't. Its nice.

[jonjj]

Fat is everywhere folks. Seattle is no exception. But I have to agree with the folks that say there is generally more fat available in the south than in Seattle.

[Vripper]

Originally Posted by jonjj

Fat is everywhere folks. Seattle is no exception. But I have to agree with the folks that say there is generally more fat available in the south than in Seattle.

Though I don't envy the Southern states for their high obesity rates, I wish we at least had a tiny sample of their awesome BBQ joints . The South has the best American food, period!