There are just as many health risks associated with being overweight or obese or being a couch potato as there are with smoking. Lung cancer aside of course. But there was a study done for a medical journal, can't remember which, that showed how there are even more health risks associated with weight than with smoking. Yes, smoking causes certain types of cancer, but being overweight or obese can cause heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, joint problems, respiratory illnesses, pregnancy problems, stroke, and gout. And the health care costs associated with weight are even more than those of smoking, especially now that smoking is on in decrease but weight problems are on the increase. That's why I always find it hypocritical when people go on about how awful smoking is but they are 40 lbs overweight, never execise and subsist on junk food. In fact, even when I used to smoke I was actually in better shape than most- I went to the gym, I cycled (not as much) I was active and I could run up the stairs like an antelope. I admit my lung capacity is probably a lot better now. But I agree- it's odd that we see articles like the ones in the summer about how cycling is so dumb and cyclists really aren't athletes. RIght, let's discourage people from getting out in front of the tv set. Like ther aren't enough kids turning into porky rug rats who play video games all day!