In the thinnest city in America, where fat people are not welcome – and the dark secrets that lie within

Boulder, Colorado, is known as the “leanest” city in the country.

Only 12 percent of residents are obese, almost four times lower than the national average, and seven in ten people exercise religiously.

But the city’s great reputation for fitness and high quality of life has a dark side. Some residents say they feel intimidated by the number of residents in top shape. And eating disorders are common.

The University of Colorado Boulder campus has nearly triple the national average of eating disorders among women compared to other college campuses and the fifth-highest rate in the country among teens.

Will Tennyson, a hugely popular fitness guru from Toronto, visited Boulder to talk to residents about the city’s reputation as a mecca for health-minded Americans.

One resident told Tennyson that she would spend an hour or two on the exercise bike to make sure she was burning enough calories, which she said would justify eating a simple breakfast of an apple and possibly a handful of nuts.

That was often her only ‘meal’ of the day.

Others said A heavy focus on thinness and physical fitness, while intended to promote health, can lead to unhealthy social pressureespecially for school-age children and women.

A Boulder resident who had recently moved from California, often considered one of the other health-conscious states, told Tennyson, “I could definitely see that there’s a push to be fitter here just because everyone is.”

A Boulder resident who moved from California said he believes the city’s reputation as a health nut mecca could intimidate newcomers

Boulder has been voted the ‘fittest’ and ‘skinniest’ city in America for years.

Gallup’s Well-Being Index found that nearly 70 percent of residents exercise for more than 30 minutes three or more times a week.

The city is affluent, with a relatively higher annual income compared to the national average and the rest of the state, at approximately $147,000 per household.

People with higher incomes generally live healthier lives.

The higher income and quality of life mean that more people can afford fresh, unprocessed food, top sports equipment and mountain adventures.

Mountain biking is particularly popular and the city has an average of four bicycles per person.

More than 70 Olympians live in Boulder, drawn to the city for its robust athletic culture.

But Tennyson added, “While everyone in Boulder is healthy, happy and fit on the surface, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

‘People suffer in silence.’

A 63-year-old Boulder resident who is in great shape for his age told Tennyson that he knows many women who “barely eat”

Boulder residents said people often become obsessed with their healthy habits and exercise routine, often spiraling into disordered eating.

Several locals said this fact was new to them, but two teenagers in a park disagreed.

One said: ‘I think probably every girl has an eating disorder, whether diagnosed or not.’

Another resident, a 63-year-old man in great physical condition, said: ‘Women I know… they hardly eat. I know this for sure.’

Even the two male teens in the park said they struggle with body image and weight.

Tennyson said, “It starts out as a good habit but eventually becomes a bad habit because you take it too far.”

Yet many people are unaware that there is something wrong with their approach to eating and exercise. This means that thousands of people suffer in silence, perhaps for decades, before realizing they can ask for help.

Tennyson spoke to Brooke Alexander, an eating disorder specialist, who said the problem is particularly prevalent among teenagers, who often feel enormous social pressure to be thin.

The small city boasts dozens of healthy restaurants, clean public parks, and extensive outdoor activities. But many people out there feel pressure to become a health nut just to fit in

Eating disorder clinics for teens are “always full,” according to Brooke Alexander, a health and wellness coach who specializes in eating disorders.

She said, “I know many people in Boulder and Colorado who are actively struggling with eating disorders and also who are in recovery or have recovered.

“People can struggle with an eating disorder for decades before they realize, oh wow, this is something I can get help with.”

And it’s not just young people who struggle to fit in and stay thin. Ms. Alexander continues, “I have also worked with clients who were in their 70s.”