“The rise in childhood obesity has led to a surge in demand for super-size school uniforms. At the Wirral Uniform Centre in Birkenhead, UK,  two in every five pairs of trousers sold are now a special ”sturdy fit” with a waistband twice as stretchy as that found in a regular pair. The biggest boy’s blazer it stocks is a man-size 54 inches; the largest skirt is 26 inches, and is being sold to girls as young as 12. Five years ago, the largest skirt was 20 inches. Retailers in the Midlands and Yorkshire report a similar phenomenon. “Around 20 years ago an 11-year-old boy would almost always wear a blazer measuring 30-34in,” said Philip Linz, of Clive Mark Schoolwear. “Now that can go up to 46in – it is incredible.” The increase in childhood obesity has led to a surge in demand for super-size school uniforms. Retailers in the Midlands and Yorkshire report a similar phenomenon. “Around 20 years ago an 11-year-old boy would almost always wear a blazer measuring 30-34in,” said Philip Linz, of Clive Mark Schoolwear. “Now that can go up to 46in – it is incredible”. (The Week ). So it’s not only in America!

Immoderation reigns.  Immoderation in the amount of fries and cola consumed, and immoderation in the greed of the corporations who are knowingly damaging the health of kids, ruthlessly exploiting the attraction of  sucrose, salt and  so-called “appetite- chemicals”.  We all pay for the results in health insurance costs and taxation.

Epicurus believed in moderation.   When will our leaders stand up to the immoral companies responsible and insist, like Epicurus, on moderation?  Don’t hold your breath.