As nation gains, 'overweight' is relative:

The little number on the tag on a pair of pants that indicates size can mean a lot to a person, and retailers know it.

That's why, in recent years, as the American population has become generally more overweight, brands from the luxury names to the mass retail chains have scaled down the size labels on their clothing.

"You may actually be a size 14 and, according to whatever particular store you're in, you come out a size 10," said Natalie Nixon, associate professor of fashion industry management at Philadelphia University. "It's definitely to make the consumer feel good."

When I was in high school one particularly dumb classmate was very excited to learn that one's weight is marginally lower at higher elevations. She gave me a blank look when I pointed out that mass remains the same. I tactfully left out the fact that there wouldn't be a change in volume or surface area either....

H/T Michelle Cottle, who lets slip that she has remained the same size and shape since high school.

Labels: Psychology