“But,” you say, “aren’t most plump people rather jolly and good natured?” yes that is quite true. They are usually pleasant and easy to get along with, but they are still overweight. Most of them have all manner of reasons. Why they are too fat. But in almost every case the only reason is that they are eating more than they themselves really need. In other words, extra weight is due to extra eating.

It is surprising what just a few extra calories a day more than we actually need will do to fine, youthful-looking appearance. For in stance, if you take just one extra slice of bread a day above your actual needs and continue this for five years, you will have gained 90 pounds. All this extra fats puts a strain on your heart, kidneys, and liver, and also on the large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees, and ankles. This means your body is wearing out more rapidly carrying around all this extra weight. Those excess calories in your diet can be lethal. You are shortening your life at your own dining table.