Fat City

I woman I knew back in the 80's gave up drinking. And seeking all the support she could, she invited me to attend an AA meeting at which she was picking up a chip to mark a period of sustained sobriety. Good for her!

But beyond the rowdy slurred greetings those measuring months received (as compared to those claiming candles for "birthdays" greeted in more sober tones), there was the widespread presence of things for which there were other 12 step programs... Bad for her!

No carrot sticks at AA. It was a smoke-filled room with free donuts.

You see, like a lot of people with dependencies, my friend's tendency was to pick up another crutch while trying to rid herself of the old one. And she was particularly susceptible to food and smoking.

Doctor Bob, not the MD of AA lore - but a local Las Vegas radio commentator with a PhD, recently remarked on food in the urban environment and how the rates of childhood obesity have soared... Particularly among minorities living in city neighborhoods.

Although he publicly called for integrating supermarkets into large city developments to improve the spectrum of what's avalable to eat beyond junk food, there isn't any evidence from his career as an architect and city planner that he ever sold the idea to any developer here.

The challenge is not unique to Las Vegas, but in some cities the solution can start with a smaller change.

Audio: BBC, PRI & WBUR's Here & Now. Host: Robin Young.