Manhattan Gets Tagged Skinniest City
Photo: Getty Images.
In a recent study comparing the average Manhattan-dweller's BMI (a function of height and weight) to nationwide and statewide data, the Big Apple came out skinniest in the state, with only 42 percent of residents considered overweight or obese, beating out the countrywide 67 percent, New York State's 60 percent, and New York City's other boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island) at 58-62 percent.
But it all makes sense, say the Manhattanites quizzed by the Times. While some pointed to the unavoidable walking and subway stairs hikes, it was also noted that the city is the "national capital of disparate subcultures of the skinny," including models, rail-thin hipsters, body-conscious gay guys, and socialites.
Barneys Creative Director, Simon Doonan, also drew some fashion-as-motivator conclusions. "Our closets are filled with all these expensive clothes that are like swords of Damocles, because we may not fit into them anymore," he said. While a manager at Intermix confided that the store doesn't usually carry sizes above an 8.
So, what do you think: is New York's skinny culture keeping people healthy or is it an unhealthy obsession?
Tags: intermix, manhattan, models, new york, NewYork, simon doonan, SimonDoonan, skinny city, skinny models, SkinnyCity, SkinnyModels






gr8bsn, 7-27-2009, 2:12PM
I think it's hilarious that they never talk about the dangers of being underweight. All of the focus is on being overweight right now, but if you are 30-40 lbs underweight, you are at risk for a completely different set but equally dangerous health risks. . The focus needs to be on being HEALTHY, not weight. This is why the BMI scale is a piece of garbage. You can conform to it perfectly but still eat junk food and be inactive. If you eat junk food and are inactive, then you are in poor health, no matter what the scale may tell you. I know diabetics that are underweight and have cholesterol problems. Being "skinny" by no means gets you off the hook.
Reply »