The answer is simple, Tracey: Obesity is a result of lifestyle. As you pointed out (and as I have experienced myself, looking through pictures of decades ago) obesity was virtually unknown then.

What always puzzles me most is people's inability to wake up to their weight gain long before their BMI is in the stratosphere. It is so easy to notice, and revert, a 1-kilo weight gain when you weigh yourself every morning. But this simple exercise seems too much for many.

And thanks for your kind appreciation, Tracey!