Everything's bigger in Texas, including the people.

For three years running, Houston has been named and shamed as America's Fattest city, with an incredible two thirds of the city's population officially overweight.

But how have these larger-than-life Texans ended up so big, and what is it about Texas that produces the fattest people in the fattest country in the world?

The city boasts one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the US with a vast array of restaurants vying for the Texan food dollar. Houstonians eat out more than in any other city, reasoning it's easier and cheaper than cooking at home. 

For some, like champion eater Bud Caudill, super-sizing and all-you-can-eat restaurants are a joy. Officially obese, he sees nothing unusual in his size. That's because he's not alone; a third of Houston's menfolk are obese.

Houston is a huge sprawling metropolis, built in homage to the car. New research shows that this sprawl is linked to obesity, as people are forced to rely on their cars more. A generation ago 75% of kids walked or cycled to school, these days it's less than 20%.

There seems every chance that Houston could hang on to the dubious honour of being 'America's Fattest City' for another year - but there could be a heavy price to pay, literally.

The medical cost of obesity is put at some $4billion a year in Texas alone, and the medical establishment are now calling obesity 'America's public enemy number one'.

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