America got fat, so so did our furniture.. pathetic.

Of all American adults age 20 to 74, about 46 percent were overweight or obese in 1960, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. By 2005-06, that number had risen to about 73 percent for Americans 20 or older.

The growth of our girth has prompted the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association to revise its test load standards used in the industry to evaluate product safety and durability. The standard for general purpose office chairs is now 250 pounds, up from 220.

"What we have noticed is people wanting bigger, more comfy, cozy sofas," said Heather Neubaur, manager at the Room & Board store in Culver City, Calif., who emphasized that the demand was driven by all consumers, not just heavy people.

Some plus-size furniture proudly flaunts its generous proportions, but in many cases, manufacturers and retailers rely on subtle marketing.

Shangle said he knew of a company that made a "wonderful" dining room table and chairs, but the chairs were a bit fragile. So the company added three other styles of seating, including a bench it said would suit families with children.

"In reality, the bench was for folks who wouldn't fit in the chair," Shangle said.

maybe we should make workout machines be stronger too. just a thought in the air..