Obesity Blog

The obesity epidemic dates back to the early 1980’s in western culture. According to The Origins of the Obesity Epidemic in the USA–Lessons for Today by Norman J. Temple, there was a substantial increase in obesity rates of American adults from 1976 to 2000, and it continues to rise. (Temple, 2002, section 2). Uncoincidentally, Americans took a liking to fast food restaurants, and processed foods were becoming more prevalent during these times. Many people fault our nation’s government for our obesity rates. However, I disagree and believe that your body is your responsibility, not the government’s.

In What You Eat Is Your Business, Radley Balko discusses how the U.S treats obesity and some changes he believes will help. Balko (2002) says, “President Bush earmarked $200 million in his budget for anti-obesity measures… This is the wrong way to fight obesity. Instead of manipulating or intervening in the array of food options available to American consumers, our government ought to be working to foster a sense of responsibility in and ownership of our own health and well-being” (p. 396). Balko argues that the government should shift their focus from changing the food that is offered, to making healthy choices for yourself. I agree with Balko’s viewpoint, the government does not control what you decide to put in your body, you do.

Don’t Blame the Eater, by David Zinczenko illustrates the hidden dangers of fast food restaurants. He believes that fast food restaurants should make the effects of frequent consumption of their products more well known. Zinczenko (2002) goes on to say, “But where, exactly, are consumers – particularly teenagers – supposed to find alternatives?” (p. 392). I argue that there are plenty of alternatives to fast food. Your local grocery store is an excellent place to find healthy. Today, fast food is not exactly cheap like it once was. In comparison, eating healthy may even be cheaper, the only extra cost is the time and effort to prepare the food.

At the 101st NAACP Convention, Michelle Obama discusses (2010) childhood obesity today, and how families have changed the way they eat. She, like many others her age, grew up eating whatever mom made. Their mothers would promote healthy eating habits like including vegetables and controlling their portions (14:06-14:21). But that has been lost to the convenience of fast food. When introducing children to the concept of nutrition, the parents and teachers are also responsible for making sure they know what is good and bad for them. Parents should not frequently pick up fast food for their kids knowing how addictive it can be for them.

Fast food is not the cause for the obesity epidemic in America today, it is the overconsumption of it. Consumers should know that eating fast food multiple times a week is not a healthy choice. At the end of the day, these fast food restaurants are trying to run a business and make money. Advertising their products like any other business is not unethical.

In conclusion, the government can only do so much to control our nation’s obesity rates. Radley Balko believes that the government should foster a sense of personal responsibility, instead of altering what is available to us. There are plenty of options when it comes to meals that are much healthier than fast food, and parents must do a better job of teaching their children that. But in the end, it is ultimately up to you to decide how you want to treat your body.