Fat America

Mark Zaleski

The Press-Enterprise

Joey Bowers, 11, who weighs 170 pounds, waves his money while yelling at passing vehicles hoping they will stop and try his lemonade in San Bernardino California.<p> Eleven-year-old Joey Bowers of San Bernardino stands 4 feet, 8 inches. He weighs 170 pounds. The eighth grader typifies the No. 1 issue in America, obesity. He has battled his weight problem, with the help of his parents, for years. It's a vicious cycle for Joey, who has few friends. He looses a few pounds, then rapidly gains them back and more. He suffers severe mood swings, high blood pressure and has trouble focusing on school work. His low self-esteem is something his doctors and parents struggle with daily. They worry that his weight will destine Joey for long-term health problems and emotional instability.

Mark Zaleski, "Fat America," in POYi Archive, Item #34504, http://archive.poy.org/items/show/34504 (accessed May 2, 2024).