Manhattan and thin people

I was in Soho yesterday with my girlfriend, my daughter, and her friends.  We walked all around for a couple of hours from West Broadway to Lafayette and from Grand to Houston.  I think I can count on one hand the number of people that would have a BMI of greater than 25.  Moreover, most of the people under 30 years old had bodies that anyone from Hollywood would spend thousands of dollars a week to emulate.  Conversely, in the average mall in America many people have BMIs greater 25.

Why does Manhatan attract thin people and why do they maintain healthy bodies?  First, the City has careers geared towards A type personalities and the lifestyle commensurate with that mindset. Investment bankers to television producers believe a healthy mind and body aides in their success.  Hence, all the success of Whole Foods and Bikram Yoga in Manhattan.

Second, people in Manhattan walk everywhere.  To get anywhere within a mile walking provides the fastest alternative.  I usually walk well under a four minute pace, and I get passed all the time by sixty year olds.  New Yorkers are in a hurry and move down the sidewalk burning calories.

Third, selective breading.  Now, this one is a bit off the radar.  I mentioned my observation in a jewelry store and the person helping us told me he lived in the area for 30 years.  He thought these were all the spoiled test tube kids with no siblings.  The parents overindulged them for every whim, and this is just part of their life.  This idea is a bit out there, it does fall within the lifestyle.

In various studies Colorado has shown to have the fittest residents.  While New York state or even New York City may not have people with the lowest BMI profile, Manhattan residents are right near the top.