Health & Fitness: A Nation of Healthy Worrywarts?

Two books charge that America has gone haywire over staying fit

Are Americans really happy in their relentless search for trim, regimented bodies? By most standards, they are the healthiest people in history, generally blessed with low cholesterol levels and normal electrocardiograms and blood counts. Yet they seem to have become so preoccupied with the quest for the elusive perfect physical condition, so haunted by the very possibility of sickness that they are unable to enjoy the benefits of good health. They love to go out in the sun, only to worry about skin cancer. They diet continually, but agonize about gaining weight. They exercise relentlessly, yet live in dread of heart...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!