Leave it to the English. In spite of all the fad diets that give millions of Americans a small shade of hope one grande-nonfat-machiato-no-whip at a time, U.K. scientists have managed to prove that most people are dead wrong about why everyone is getting so fat. We can’t just point the finger at excess snacking, lack of exercise or improper dieting. Rather, our modern society itself is the bigger issue. There is no escape.

The fact is, we live in a world where energy-rich foods come cheap and nobody spends much time moving around on a day-to-day basis. Not to say the individual shouldn’t be held accountable. Blaming society for your abdominal jelly rolls certainly won’t do much good. But the evidence is compelling.

Ever seen a morbidly obese individual riding around the supermarket in one of those electric “mobility” scooters, stocking up on Cheetos? This would never have been possible 100 years ago. It used to be that if you wanted something other than berries and bread, you’d have to make it from scratch or go hunting. Technology and variety have joined forces to tempt you into quite a lazy way of life.

Case in point: here you are reading some current events from the comfort of your home or office chair. At least 40 years ago you’d have to go on a brisk walk down the street and pick up a paper to figure out what was going on in the world. You wouldn’t have AIM, so when you ran into your neighbor Rudy on the way, you’d strike up a nice chat just for the company - even if it was only about the milkman’s two-cent delivery price increase.

Yes we have come a long way in making the world around us easier and more convenient. But as a society, can we really handle such ease of life? Well, probably not. But the question is, can you?