[GovernmentShrinker]

people today are just 6 or 7 pounds heavier than they were in 1991

That's not insignificant. For example, a recent study found that a 5% weight gain since college put women at a substantially higher risk for breast cancer. Furthermore, clothing manufacturers have been steadily increasing clothing sizes (both the actual sizes of labelled numerical sizes, and the output of clothing with larger labelled numerical sizes) for a number of years, and children's clothing has been a major part of this trend. So I don't buy that Americans aren't really getting a lot fatter on average.

However, there is no need for government action, except to stop using tax dollars to pay people's medical bills. When people have to pay their own way, they'll start being more careful.

[Xenalyte]

Furthermore, clothing manufacturers have been steadily increasing clothing sizes (both the actual sizes of labelled numerical sizes, and the output of clothing with larger labelled numerical sizes) for a number of years,

Actually, no. Ever buy vintage clothes? I'm a modern designer's 10 or 12, and if the garment is older than I am (that would be 35), I have to go up to 14 or 16.

[been_lurking]

and children's clothing has been a major part of this trend

And fashion trends, (pants that use as much fabric as a circus tent or shorts that use more fabric than a blimp) have nothing what-so-ever to do with any of this?

[highpockets]

Furthermore, clothing manufacturers have been steadily increasing clothing sizes (both the actual sizes of labelled numerical sizes, and the output of clothing with larger labelled numerical sizes) for a number of years, and children's clothing has been a major part of this trend.

Suppose style has anything to do with it?