Crispy fried chicken? Cream pie? Forget it!

Fattest US state's lawmakers shed pounds together

JACKSON, Mississippi - In a gym at a tiny college in the capital of the most obese state in the United States, state Rep. John Hines dropped his chest to the floor, let out an "Aaaarrrrgggh!" and forced through a few final pushups.

Hines and 71 fellow lawmakers, 19 members of the governor's staff - though not the portly governor himself - and 21 "civilians" have been working out several days a week since January to promote healthful living in a culture that prizes its sweet tea and fried food.