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Obesity in the United States has a new layer of concern. Americans are too fat for their cars.

At least that's the issue via government-mandated warning labels on all 2006 or new cars. The label lists the safe maximum combined weight of passengers and cargo.

According to a report in USA Today, two-seat sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 and Chevrolet Corvette aren't certified to carry two 200-pound people.

Additionally, many five-passenger cars are rated for a maximum of 850 pounds or an average of 170 pounds per passenger. And six 200-pound passengers would exceed the passenger pound limit for seven-passenger vehicles like the Dodge Grand Caravan.

Weight limits are indicated on the "tire and loading" information on the inside of driver's side door frame.

The weight limits are the result of the 2000 Firestone tire recall in which overloading was determine as a potential factor when tires fail.

According to USA Today, the weight limits reflect a mandated federal formula that requires them to rate passengers at 150 pounds.

However, the current weight limits may not pertinent

"Given Americans' propensity for food, the limits may not be realistic, but that is the regulation," said Mazda safety director Dan Ryan.

And David Champion, head of auto testing for Consumer Reports, says automakers aren't building cars properly for bigger passengers.

"A family car should be capable of carrying five reasonably sized people, not five midgets," Champion told USA Today.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says automakers can set weight limits at whatever they deem appropriate.

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