Boulder, Colorado, is known for being the “thinnest” city in the country.
Only 12 percent of residents are obese, nearly four times less than the national average, and seven in 10 people exercise religiously.
But the city’s stellar reputation for fitness and high quality of life has a dark side: Some residents say they are intimidated by the number of in-shape locals. And eating disorders are common.
The University of Colorado Boulder campus has nearly triple the national average of eating disorders among women compared to other college campuses and the fifth-highest rate in the country among adolescents.
Will Tennyson, a popular fitness guru from Toronto, visited Boulder talk to residents about the city’s reputation as a mecca for health-focused Americans.
One resident told Tennyson she would spend an hour or two on the exercise bike to ensure she burned enough calories, which she said would justify a basic breakfast of an apple and possibly a small handful of nuts.
Often that was their only “meal” of the day.
Others said A strong focus on thinness and physical fitness, although intended to promote health, can create harmful social pressuresespecially in school-age children and women.
A Boulder resident who had recently moved from California, often considered one of the other health-conscious states, told Tennyson: “I could definitely see that there is a pressure to get fitter here simply because everyone “It is.”
Mountain biking is very popular in Boulder, and the city has four bikes for every resident.
A Boulder resident who moved from California said he thinks the city’s reputation as a mecca for health nuts could intimidate newcomers.
Boulder has been named the “fittest” and “thinnest” city in America for years.
The Gallup Wellbeing Index found that nearly 70 percent of residents exercise for more than 30 minutes three or more times a week.
The city is prosperous, with a relatively higher annual income compared to the national average and the rest of the state, around $147,000 per household.
People with higher incomes tend to lead healthier lives overall.
Higher incomes and quality of life mean more people can afford fresh, whole foods, top-notch sports equipment, and mountain adventures.
Mountain biking is particularly popular and the city has an average of four bikes per person.
More than 70 Olympic athletes live in Boulder, drawn to the city for its strong athletic culture.
But Tennyson added: “While on the surface everyone in Boulder is healthy, happy and fit, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.”
“People suffer in silence.”
A 63-year-old Boulder resident, who is in peak physical condition for her age, told Tennyson that she knows many women who “barely eat.”
Boulder residents said people often become obsessed with their healthy habits and exercise routine, which often leads to eating disorders.
Several locals said this fact was new to them, but two teenagers in a park disagreed.
One said: “I think probably every girl has an eating disorder, whether they’re diagnosed or not.”
Another resident, a 63-year-old man in peak physical condition, said: ‘The women I know… they barely eat. I know it for sure.’
Even the two teenage boys at the park said they struggle with body image and weight.
Tennyson said, “It starts out as a good habit but then it ends up becoming a bad habit because you’re taking it too far.”
However, many people are unaware that something is wrong with their approach to eating and exercise. This means that thousands of people suffer in silence, perhaps for decades, before realizing they can ask for help.
Tennyson spoke to Brooke Alexander, an eating disorder specialist, who said the problem is especially prevalent among teenagers, who often feel immense social pressure to be thin.
The small town has dozens of healthy restaurants, clean public parks, and ample outdoor activities. But many people there feel pressured to go health crazy just to fit in.
Eating disorder clinics that serve teens “are always full,” according to Brooke Alexander, a health and wellness coach who specializes in eating disorders.
She said: ‘I know many people in Boulder and Colorado who are actively struggling with eating disorders and also who are in recovery or have recovered.
“People can struggle with an eating disorder for decades before they realize I can ask for help with this.”
And it’s not just young people struggling to fit in and stay slim. Ms Alexander added: I have also worked with clients in their 70s.