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	June 17, 2010

Here’s the Skinny on Whole Foods
By: Briskman Stanfield

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Don’t blame your imagination if you think shoppers look thinner at Whole Foods Market.

Apparently it is not what you eat but where you shop that makes a body lean, according to a recent study. In fact, Whole Foods, “America’s First National Certified Organic Grocer,” was found to have the lowest ratio of obese customers (only 4 percent). Albertsons topped the scales at 38 percent in comparison.

After evaluating education, income, height, and weight, the percentage of obese shoppers proved to be almost 10 times higher at low-cost grocery stores than those at more upscale stores. Poverty stands as the reason.

Aside from giving credence to the old adage "you can never be too rich or too thin,” Adam Drewnowski, an epidemiology professor who studies obesity and social class, believes the weight factor not only requires the ability to purchase smarter choices but involves the affordable luxury of precious minutes.

Drewnowski maintains that a healthy diet is more expensive and requires more time and preparation skills versus consuming high-calorie foods.

The homegrown idea came straight from the “agricultural experts,” as they brought our attention to the negative effects chemicals had on people and the environment. It's one that helped consumers become more health conscious and savvy grocery shoppers. (Even the first lady has gone organic.)

Since their inception in Austin, Texas in 1980, Whole Foods have over 280 stores in 38 states and are No. 324 on the Fortune 500 list, with $8 billion in sales for 2009.

Come September 2010, Whole Foods Market will proudly celebrate their 30th birthday, marking three successful decades of happily enhancing the belief that beyond all costs, you are what you eat.

What do you think? Post a comment below!

Comments

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U. No. Who (Floduh)	on 13 Jul 2010 at 12:22 pm

Clue: GMO, it makes cows bigger first, people second.

Pete K (Detroit, MI)	on 30 Jun 2010 at 12:31 pm

Banthis and Leslie...the US will have a 75% obesity rate by 2015... Just because you're the exception to the rule doesn't mean that we don't have a HUGE problem in this country. And as for Freedom...stop with that Libertarian BS...we've subsidized the hell out of bad food production. Take away said subsidies...now! http://www.prospect.org/csnc/blogs/ezraklein_archive?month=10&year=2008&base_name=why_is_bad_food_cheap

JG	on 24 Jun 2010 at 11:46 am

Banthis, if you think freedom entails being able to buy mass produced, processed foods distributed by 3 major industrial agriculture corporations...well then by all means- be free.

Banthis (Portland, OR)	on 21 Jun 2010 at 10:31 pm

"These stores should be outlawed or regulated for the good of people whom they so easily influence.", says Mary from Walla Walla, WA. It's comments like these that piss me off about greenies, organiquaks and other assorted nuts. Always want to ban things they don't agree with or find "wrong" for the rest of the population. Freedom is a fundamental human need.

Gimposquishy (Chicago)	on 21 Jun 2010 at 11:22 am

I shop at Aldi and I am 5'5" and weigh 125 pounds. I am not obese. This article is a joke. People make bad choices. Some things at whole foods aren't necessarily good for you either.

Mary (Walla Walla WA)	on 20 Jun 2010 at 12:46 pm

I have seen people going into a nearby Albertson's so heavy they have to lean on their carts to get from car to store, where there's a motor cart they can ride in order to shop. These people are encouraged to buy huge amounts of junk--nitrate-cured meats and processed stuff with hidden origins, sugar-laden breads and drinks--and inorganic produce. (The more you buy, the more you "save.") Shopping there--if one has the alternative of a nearby WF, TJ, or other good store--is irresponsible, a form of long-term suicide. These stores should be outlawed or regulated for the good of people whom they so easily influence. Even the poor would be better off paying "more" to buy less of something good than get "bargains" that are junk and result in bad health.

LadyLeslie (Raleigh, NC)	on 19 Jun 2010 at 5:04 am

Whole Foods prices are also a great contributor to a healthy weight. It costs serious money to overeat there!

PinkCupcakeGurl (Louisville, KY)	on 18 Jun 2010 at 11:12 am

I would have to agree with this study. Just based on WF's demographics (i.e. people with higher income--and probably more discretionary income as well--, education, etc.), their shoppers are probably "healthier" than their competitor's.