Beginning in the 1980s, things changed. West Virginia and the rest of the country were overtaken by a perfect storm of less physical jobs, processed food, soda pop, fast food, reduced physical education and hours of video games and texting. The percentage of West Virginians who are obese almost tripled between 1960 (13.4 percent) and 2008 (34.3 percent). Click more media to see a few of the things that led us here and to view more photos from W.Va.'s history.

FOOD: Before the age of fast food, most meals were made at home, and the ingredients were fresh. In 1970, money spent on food outside the home accounted for 25% of the average American's total food budget. By 1999, it accounted for 47% of total food spending. (source: USDA)

WORK: In the early 1900s, West Virginians were described by writers as "slab-sided" and "stomachless." They ate only what they needed, and many of the calories they consumed were burned off by hard work. Machinery, automation and computers have made working easier -- but are we eating any less?

PLAY: Before video games and cell phones, children gathered together on playgrounds, at city parks and in backyards to play. Less physical activity has led to heavier kids who are now at risk for diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease later in life.

Unexpected School, teacher, Miss Toney; Kanawha County, 1924. Sarah Glass Edwards Collection