Its harder to be on an effective diet and lose weight in the Midwest than it is in Hawaii.

How come? Is it because we dont have a big appetite during Honolulu winters? Not really. We have fewer chances to work out and to burn calories?

You know the answer to this one if youve shoveled snow, lately.

Its tougher to shed those pounds in Milwaukee, Wisconsin because the town is less body conscious.

People who live there dont tie up as much of their self-esteem into their dress sizes or waistlines.

This doesnt pertain to the entire Midwest, and particularly to college towns, where fashion fitness requires sticking to more of a diet and exercise regimen.

And within states, there can be a lot of variability in body standards. For instance, in Santa Monica, California, where youll find more yoga studios than Starbucks, there is a lot of attention paid to fitness, but much less, fifty miles away toward Riverside or San Bernardino.

It boils down to peer pressures. Fitting in, in a given place, will require you to be fit, by that places standards.

When you look out your window near the beach and see most people jogging or rollerblading or bicycling, its hard to resist jumping up and joining them.

But when you feel alone in your pursuits, as if youre the only person in Muncie who isnt munching, then it feels a lot tougher to lose those pounds.

This may sound preposterous to you, but changing your address could help change your physique!