I think obese and many overweight people are aware that they consume more food than the average person. What is the obese person going to do at 6pm when they've received the notification that they've consumed too many calories?

There are much larger issues than calorie counting that cause 2/3 of the U.S to be overweight. Agricultural corn subsidies for starters, a defunct FDA, poor education, lack of strong culinary traditions and a lack of preventative healthcare all play into a massive amount of people being overweight.

Not to mention a culture that encourages people to spend money on things that allow them to live a sedentary lifestyle.

If you drive to work, take the elevator, sit in front of a computer all day and then watch television to relax... then; duh. You're gonna be chubby, even if you only eat organic salads from Whole Paycheck.

If you walk or bike for local trips, stand or take frequent stretch breaks while at work, always take the stairs and garden in the evenings you're going to much more fit even if taquitos are a food group as far as you're concerned.

Habits are the key. Figure out how to shift your default behaviours and you will effect change.

Your body has a "set point" that is resistant to this kind of disruption. If you gradually increase calories and do it regularly, that's how you gain weight.

I remained slim despite eating some very rich restaurant meals every so often until I started drinking and eating similar food at home nearly every day.

> And I'll also assume you're ~ 25 years old and your metabolism hasn't started slowing down yet.

Would his age tell you much, really? I know people who are frustrated that they can't gain weight. Me, on the other hand, feel that I can't eat snacks, desserts etc. or other 'empty calories' without gaining weight. And that's been the case since I was 20, or my teens.