...I'm sure the answer to this question is very complex. I would like to see a double blind placebo controlled study...a good regression analysis or some other well designed study to give us good answers to this question. Technologically saturated work makes us sedentary...longevity gives us a lengthier period of physical prosperity (old people are rarely fat)...dependence on meat as a protein has all kinds of negative implications for the whole world as well as Americans, as Fionn points out...better medicines and health care probably contribute in some way...what about the mental health system? A very interesting and thought-provoking question...and certainly a great folkie cause...songs anyone?????? harpgirl