According to an article by Jane E. Brody in the New York Times, "Americans are not eating less fat; rather, per capita consumption of fat has risen by 10 pounds a year since 1973. All things being equal (which they are not), this alone would result in an average of 11 more pounds than people weighed" in the 1970's.

A recent study of the late Dr. Atkins' high protein/high fat weight loss diet shows that participants lost more weight in faster time than dieters using low fat/low calorie regiments.

In general, Americans, today as compared to the 1970's, consume more calories, fat and carbohydrates and have more sedintary lifestyles; "we are consuming more calories and burning fewer. That is why we have an obesity epidemic."