David Kurtz, at Talking Points Memo, posts about Denver:
Life expectancy has to be higher here in Denver. Everyone is lean and fit and looks like they just finished mountain biking, are on their way to yoga class, and might end the day with a run.
The other striking thing about the city is the number of dogs. There must be a city ordinance requiring all residents to own at least one dog. I’m not talking roving bands of stray dogs here, just everyone on the street with a leash in hand, and dogs that look very accustomed to hanging out in coffee shops, chilling in the shade of sidewalk cafes, and in general being part of the life of the city.
Certainly by Indiana standards, this is true. But, this is a little funny to me, because my sister lives to Telluride, CO. So, any time I get to Denver, I pretty much get over to Telluride as well. Compared to the folks in Telluride, the folks in Denver are a bunch of obese, dogless couch potatoes. (Boulder is like this as well. Finding the overweight person in Boulder is a little like playing Where’s Waldo.)
I dunno, Doug. When I was in Boulder six weeks ago, there were obese people around. they did stand out a little more than here.
What was that cool map you had posted around that time? Colorado was the ‘least obese’ state, with about 19% of the population obese.
Leaner, yes, but not so good.
It’s because of drinking “diet” sodas.
You know, I’m in Denver right now and of my experience is any indication they can’t eat as much at this altitude. Since I arrived in Denver I haven’t been able to finish a meal and my appetite is not nearly as intense. I really don’t get it because I love to eat, but I have squarely blamed altitude.