The Shocking Science Behind America's Most Obese City
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Date: 2025-04-07
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Comments and reviews: 20
jeremy_ethier
Whoa. Great initiative Jeremy. Obesity is complex, that's why more and more municipalities use an approach based on populations determinants of health - walkability score is one of those determinants, along with access to green spaces, grocery stores, sound levels, pollution levels, etc. have you thought perhaps you were too intimidating with your big biceps Joking but not joking. It could have helped you further if you had Worked with a group on the inside which would be with you at all times vs arriving in the city and interacting as total outsider which can be perceived as the stranger coming in with a solution, kind of like past colonizer/missionary mentalities. Kudos to the couple whose lives you will be impacting. And who in turn might be impacting many more lives within their community. A similar initiative to check out: blue zones. Thanks for sharing this adventure and may you continue to impact lives around the world!
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Whoa. Great initiative Jeremy. Obesity is complex, that's why more and more municipalities use an approach based on populations determinants of health - walkability score is one of those determinants, along with access to green spaces, grocery stores, sound levels, pollution levels, etc. have you thought perhaps you were too intimidating with your big biceps Joking but not joking. It could have helped you further if you had Worked with a group on the inside which would be with you at all times vs arriving in the city and interacting as total outsider which can be perceived as the stranger coming in with a solution, kind of like past colonizer/missionary mentalities. Kudos to the couple whose lives you will be impacting. And who in turn might be impacting many more lives within their community. A similar initiative to check out: blue zones. Thanks for sharing this adventure and may you continue to impact lives around the world!
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JonathanPerez-c4p
Jeremy, first off thank you for this video, I enjoyed the content, format, and following along with you outside the gym.
Now for the meat and potatoes: what you saw in McAllen is not much different from Houston. Somehow this is our culture of overly processed foods, lack of nutritional knowledge, not-walkable (car-dominated) infrastructure, and uneasiness to strangers. It’s not something any of us are proud of, but it’s what we know. And just like the couple you saw, we are very open to change and honestly very friendly at heart.
This video hit so close to home because it felt like you were in my own backyard (metaphorically) and interviewing my cousins (metaphorically, again.
I would love to see how the rest of this story progresses.
Kudos on this idea and your dedication.
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Jeremy, first off thank you for this video, I enjoyed the content, format, and following along with you outside the gym.
Now for the meat and potatoes: what you saw in McAllen is not much different from Houston. Somehow this is our culture of overly processed foods, lack of nutritional knowledge, not-walkable (car-dominated) infrastructure, and uneasiness to strangers. It’s not something any of us are proud of, but it’s what we know. And just like the couple you saw, we are very open to change and honestly very friendly at heart.
This video hit so close to home because it felt like you were in my own backyard (metaphorically) and interviewing my cousins (metaphorically, again.
I would love to see how the rest of this story progresses.
Kudos on this idea and your dedication.
reply
LoveSK987
What an amazing initiative! How great, that you not only invited 40 people but that when nobody showed up, you decided to fill the room anyways. Isn't it cool to see that in that short amount of time you got to convince, what was it, at least 20 people to come. and you changed your approach a bit, the energy was lighter and tadaaa! Amazing! It was so good to see the struggle of finding interest, and even more so. how much the structural issues in the city contribute to obesity. its UNREAL. I am so glad to see people still CAN find good food if they know where to look and how to approach choices. I am following your program since a few months and its made a big difference even though I've always made healthy choices. Thank you for you great and important work! Keep going!
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What an amazing initiative! How great, that you not only invited 40 people but that when nobody showed up, you decided to fill the room anyways. Isn't it cool to see that in that short amount of time you got to convince, what was it, at least 20 people to come. and you changed your approach a bit, the energy was lighter and tadaaa! Amazing! It was so good to see the struggle of finding interest, and even more so. how much the structural issues in the city contribute to obesity. its UNREAL. I am so glad to see people still CAN find good food if they know where to look and how to approach choices. I am following your program since a few months and its made a big difference even though I've always made healthy choices. Thank you for you great and important work! Keep going!
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cenciende9401
One thing I've never understood is lower class = fast food. I just don't know how less money = spend more money because fast food is freaking expensive per meal. I can't afford it, that's a once every 2 weeks special occasion with a movie at home just because of the cost, like it's not much cheaper than an actual restaurant. It's very difficult to do home cooking which isn't at least half the cost or lower down to a quarter the cost, per meal by comparison! Lower class should be representing home cooking the most, money is precisely why I do all my own cooking after spending a while with those fresh never frozen microwave meal services but realizing I can do a lot better while also being cheaper than them with just a little effort.
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One thing I've never understood is lower class = fast food. I just don't know how less money = spend more money because fast food is freaking expensive per meal. I can't afford it, that's a once every 2 weeks special occasion with a movie at home just because of the cost, like it's not much cheaper than an actual restaurant. It's very difficult to do home cooking which isn't at least half the cost or lower down to a quarter the cost, per meal by comparison! Lower class should be representing home cooking the most, money is precisely why I do all my own cooking after spending a while with those fresh never frozen microwave meal services but realizing I can do a lot better while also being cheaper than them with just a little effort.
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juanmeneses3592
Hi Jeremy! I live in Austin, Texas and honestly it's not too close for McAllen but I wish to know that you will be there and trust me I'm more than happy to join you. I see your videos and I really enjoy it. I wish to have recipes or a plan for the week to eat more properly. I joined the gym about Jericho and I lost so far 30 lb I want to build some muscle unfortunately, it's very difficult to follow a diet when you working in construction, but you have some advice or some recipes or a plan. Appreciated the info. Take care man and you do great to help us to educate ourselves to eat better and take care of ourselves
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Hi Jeremy! I live in Austin, Texas and honestly it's not too close for McAllen but I wish to know that you will be there and trust me I'm more than happy to join you. I see your videos and I really enjoy it. I wish to have recipes or a plan for the week to eat more properly. I joined the gym about Jericho and I lost so far 30 lb I want to build some muscle unfortunately, it's very difficult to follow a diet when you working in construction, but you have some advice or some recipes or a plan. Appreciated the info. Take care man and you do great to help us to educate ourselves to eat better and take care of ourselves
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agytjax
Dude, it is not at all difficult to make such videos by selectively picking a few people and few restaurants which serve such fat dense food. Secondly, just coz when someone politely refuses your entry into their homes, it means they want you to respect your privacy. You cannot just conclude that they are unfriendly or unwelcoming or not health conscious! Despite showing class disparity, your research is still shallow and you are just relying on superficial info to jump into conclusions. Tell me one city in the US where there is NO class disparity - aren't they relatively less obese according to you
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Dude, it is not at all difficult to make such videos by selectively picking a few people and few restaurants which serve such fat dense food. Secondly, just coz when someone politely refuses your entry into their homes, it means they want you to respect your privacy. You cannot just conclude that they are unfriendly or unwelcoming or not health conscious! Despite showing class disparity, your research is still shallow and you are just relying on superficial info to jump into conclusions. Tell me one city in the US where there is NO class disparity - aren't they relatively less obese according to you
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keishabonner7309
I, personally, do NOT think so-called obesity causes any health problems. Being TOO thin can kill you while no one is ON RECORD of dying from weighing too much. Ask yourself: why do Blacks, Indigenous people, and Latinos have a high Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis Same reason why Big people of any ethnicity do: they are ostracized or face racism! FACT: I know 2 people personally, SKINNY people, Black, diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Why: unforgiveness. Let's not fat-shame people-- forgive others, eat for fuel, according to budget. Love you all. but God loves you MORE.
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I, personally, do NOT think so-called obesity causes any health problems. Being TOO thin can kill you while no one is ON RECORD of dying from weighing too much. Ask yourself: why do Blacks, Indigenous people, and Latinos have a high Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis Same reason why Big people of any ethnicity do: they are ostracized or face racism! FACT: I know 2 people personally, SKINNY people, Black, diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Why: unforgiveness. Let's not fat-shame people-- forgive others, eat for fuel, according to budget. Love you all. but God loves you MORE.
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maylto8407
My family grew up poor and my sister still lives in our family home. As the youngest, I definitely see how my older siblings lack the education on proper nutrition and the neighborhood is not a walk/exercise friendly area. She always comments how she would walk more if she felt more safe doing so. The only food choices close by are all fast food. I thought my nieces were a bit chubby, but she’s actually the skinniest compared to her peers! Income disparity affecting health is a real thing.
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My family grew up poor and my sister still lives in our family home. As the youngest, I definitely see how my older siblings lack the education on proper nutrition and the neighborhood is not a walk/exercise friendly area. She always comments how she would walk more if she felt more safe doing so. The only food choices close by are all fast food. I thought my nieces were a bit chubby, but she’s actually the skinniest compared to her peers! Income disparity affecting health is a real thing.
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grsmonkey116
Enjoyed the effort. I think this mini documentary points out the layers that contribute to obesity. Access, money, habits, culture, what actually ends up on the plate, exercise/movement I know there has been debate in the comments over the governments role. Reality is every little thing (side walks, walking trails, zoning laws, senior centers, taxation) moves the average. It won’t solve each individuals issue, but overall do you help a few % of people here and a few percent there.
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Enjoyed the effort. I think this mini documentary points out the layers that contribute to obesity. Access, money, habits, culture, what actually ends up on the plate, exercise/movement I know there has been debate in the comments over the governments role. Reality is every little thing (side walks, walking trails, zoning laws, senior centers, taxation) moves the average. It won’t solve each individuals issue, but overall do you help a few % of people here and a few percent there.
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jcarredondo86
That's my home town! beautiful to see someone trying to help the change and point out some of the issues especially the walking issues, I will say some of the difficulties will come from the culture, valley families eat together and will definitely overeat, as well as be hesitant to new people as most people are on guard all the time it is difficult but hopefully people see this and make some changes much love for my valley people you got it, take it away
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That's my home town! beautiful to see someone trying to help the change and point out some of the issues especially the walking issues, I will say some of the difficulties will come from the culture, valley families eat together and will definitely overeat, as well as be hesitant to new people as most people are on guard all the time it is difficult but hopefully people see this and make some changes much love for my valley people you got it, take it away
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ShadowSatyr
I appreciate you doing this but would just a single workshop help Most ppl were invited to eat. You provided some meals for them to take home. But uh hats stopping them from turning back to their diet I’ve been through this before with my own family and I believe it comes down to the person to make the chsnge themselves. Not a workshop or something else. Also if the city could build more sidewalks and biking lanes, that would absolutely help
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I appreciate you doing this but would just a single workshop help Most ppl were invited to eat. You provided some meals for them to take home. But uh hats stopping them from turning back to their diet I’ve been through this before with my own family and I believe it comes down to the person to make the chsnge themselves. Not a workshop or something else. Also if the city could build more sidewalks and biking lanes, that would absolutely help
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verablack3137
I mean if a strange person just said let me cook you dinner I would assume they are from some MLM and immediately refuse as well lol. For me a big part of my diet are the Mission carb balance tortillas, because you can get 30G of fiber in one meal, add some tuna or chicken and it is the perfect post gym meal. They aren't nearly as tasty as proper corn tortillas, but those don't really do anything to actually fill me up.
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I mean if a strange person just said let me cook you dinner I would assume they are from some MLM and immediately refuse as well lol. For me a big part of my diet are the Mission carb balance tortillas, because you can get 30G of fiber in one meal, add some tuna or chicken and it is the perfect post gym meal. They aren't nearly as tasty as proper corn tortillas, but those don't really do anything to actually fill me up.
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Calcifurr
I believe the root cause of obesity in America is the M-F 40 hour work week, easy access to sugary and processed, fried foods, and lack of good public transportation and safe sidewalks and parks.
A lot of people are exhausted from their job, let alone have to live with the burden of high prices of food and housing. People are stressed and those with children have it even harder.
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I believe the root cause of obesity in America is the M-F 40 hour work week, easy access to sugary and processed, fried foods, and lack of good public transportation and safe sidewalks and parks.
A lot of people are exhausted from their job, let alone have to live with the burden of high prices of food and housing. People are stressed and those with children have it even harder.
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usernotfound5857
Dear Jeremy, I'm not even in McAllen or even in US for that matter, but thank you for trying your best anyways.
People seem so cold and resistant to change and they just wanna be like it is what it is, but thank you from trying nonetheless.
It's sad to see the average American like this, growing up with movies I had a different expectation of the real American: (
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Dear Jeremy, I'm not even in McAllen or even in US for that matter, but thank you for trying your best anyways.
People seem so cold and resistant to change and they just wanna be like it is what it is, but thank you from trying nonetheless.
It's sad to see the average American like this, growing up with movies I had a different expectation of the real American: (
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LuisRamirez-nb6sh
Bro I would’ve gone I live 30 minutes away from McAllen and you changed my life I was 315 in October and decided to change my life, so when I did my research I came up on you and studied all your videos and now I’ve lost 35lbs and at 280 I can run a 9: 30 mile. Your research about why McAllen is so obese is so true not one lie was said about my hometown.
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Bro I would’ve gone I live 30 minutes away from McAllen and you changed my life I was 315 in October and decided to change my life, so when I did my research I came up on you and studied all your videos and now I’ve lost 35lbs and at 280 I can run a 9: 30 mile. Your research about why McAllen is so obese is so true not one lie was said about my hometown.
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Nebrox
I'm Australian I think the most concerning thing about US food and diet is that a lot of the food isn't even fit for human consumption and we wouldn't allow it here or in Europe for that matter.
Banned food additives aren't even regulated in the US meaning greedy US food companies can basically add whatever chemicals and additives they like.
That's horrifying!
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I'm Australian I think the most concerning thing about US food and diet is that a lot of the food isn't even fit for human consumption and we wouldn't allow it here or in Europe for that matter.
Banned food additives aren't even regulated in the US meaning greedy US food companies can basically add whatever chemicals and additives they like.
That's horrifying!
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missusyakut
Watching this from Europe, it really struck me how different the food culture is. Here, portions are smaller by default, and walking is just part of daily life. It’s wild how much environment shapes habits. This was eye-opening and honestly kind of heartbreaking too. Huge respect to Jeremy and his team for approaching it with empathy instead of judgment.
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Watching this from Europe, it really struck me how different the food culture is. Here, portions are smaller by default, and walking is just part of daily life. It’s wild how much environment shapes habits. This was eye-opening and honestly kind of heartbreaking too. Huge respect to Jeremy and his team for approaching it with empathy instead of judgment.
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VirtuousJerm
it was crazy to see Jeremy on the side of the road in the city of Pharr, it was so random! down to earth kind of guy no doubt. hope you enjoyed what the valley had to offer food wise, like i said it’s amazing. however health wise. not so much. much appreciated for you going around and spreading awareness helping how you did. the valley needs it.
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it was crazy to see Jeremy on the side of the road in the city of Pharr, it was so random! down to earth kind of guy no doubt. hope you enjoyed what the valley had to offer food wise, like i said it’s amazing. however health wise. not so much. much appreciated for you going around and spreading awareness helping how you did. the valley needs it.
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Manos723
McAllen is right on the Mexican border not surprised by the obesity, they eat a ton of Mexican food there, which is probably the worst food nutritionally you could eat, it's delicious but it's full of fat low in protein, tons of empty carbs, and even the carbs that would be good for you like pinto beans are cooked, mashed up and then refried in lard
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McAllen is right on the Mexican border not surprised by the obesity, they eat a ton of Mexican food there, which is probably the worst food nutritionally you could eat, it's delicious but it's full of fat low in protein, tons of empty carbs, and even the carbs that would be good for you like pinto beans are cooked, mashed up and then refried in lard
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michh792
Thank you so much, Jeremy! Your care and selfless service is such a gift to the world!
And i can't imagine. if you knocked on our door and offered to make us a healthy dinner, I would literally faint with joy! Been following you for years and you are someone who inspire and i look up to! Those ppl didn't know what they have missed out!
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Thank you so much, Jeremy! Your care and selfless service is such a gift to the world!
And i can't imagine. if you knocked on our door and offered to make us a healthy dinner, I would literally faint with joy! Been following you for years and you are someone who inspire and i look up to! Those ppl didn't know what they have missed out!
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