The article is dated July 28, 2000. If this is really the reason, why
hasn't it been publicized in the last four-and-a-half-years? If a
virus is the cause, there must have been a huge outbreak during the
last decade. If this virus is the cause, it must be somehow missing
the beach parts of West Coast cities and hitting the inland cities much
harder. I guess the virus can't afford the beach rents.

Yes, viruses can do some incredible things, but we do need to throw
logic into the mix. Why does obesity often follow socioeconomic lines?
I'll wait for a follow up study. (But so far, it's been almost a five
year wait.)

Ken