Obesity: It IS a Public Concern

 

Unquestionably, the majority of people are familiar with the terms "obesity" and "obese."  But what does it actually mean? It goes beyond being "overweight" but is nonetheless comparable. Obesity is defined as having more body fat than is normal, and it is also the name of a disorder that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. Obesity is identified as a health crisis because it affects a large number of people and can cause other illnesses. It is debatable whether obesity is a private or societal problem because it can be acquired from genetics, an eating disorder, or some medications. However, appealing ads,  convenience, and financial limitations make unhealthy food more available to people, making obesity a public concern.

The advertisement for a fast food chain appears in the middle of a child's favorite TV show, making them drool and hungry for the food being promoted. This is similar to a billboard advertising a chicken sandwich, manipulating a hungry driver, stuck in traffic to crave the food. Advertising encourages a specific audience to purchase unhealthy foods without first reviewing the nutrition facts, and the price, which is usually low, would be displayed in large numbers. Fast food is not always bad; however, when consumed irresponsibly and without regard for nutrition facts, it can become "toxic" and contribute to obesity. In addition to advertising low-cost foods, fast food restaurants do not provide accurate nutrition information. A meal's calories would be listed, but not for the additional food that comes with it or the number of servings that come with it. (Zinczenko, 2002). This advertising misleads consumers, leading them to believe they are consuming a certain number of calories if they do not pay close attention to the fine print. details. The public should be more honest when advertising foods and prioritize customers' health more than their pockets. 

    

Fast food is the most convenient food for the majority of people. It's cheap, it tastes great, and it's right in front of people's faces. There are multiple fast food chain restaurants, usually close to each other, with different foods, flavors, and the same low prices. During a long road trip, after a long flight, or even a long day, fast food restaurants are easier to find. Any road in America will have one of the country's more than 13,000 McDonald's restaurants. (Zinczenko, 2002, p.392). Whether people try to ignore it or find it, a fast food restaurant will be there, and there’s a strong possibility that another choice is right next door as well. Because fast food restaurants are so common, it is easy for anyone to become dependent on them and become unhealthy, and eventually obese. The government should take charge and either replace some of these restaurants with already scarce alternatives or enact legislation requiring fast food restaurants to provide healthy alternatives at the same low cost. 

 

(20-piece chicken nugget and a large drink for $6, this could feed a few people)

Due to financial constraints, not all families can afford a home-cooked meal every day. People need to eat, and fast food restaurants provide the most affordable and easily accessible food. Some parents may give their child money to buy food, and because there is always a fast food restaurant nearby, the child will buy it. Sometimes, this happens more than once a week or day. Some financial problems may persist for months at a time, forcing families to eat at these low-cost restaurants, which will eventually harm their health. Fast food restaurants were the only affordable option available for consumption for children who had to look after themselves on a budget (Zinczenko, 2002). Since there are barely any healthier alternatives, it is harder for a financially struggling family to stay healthy on a low budget, although it is not impossible. 

Obesity becomes a public problem due to the environmental effects of bad food on people, despite the fact that it requires private decisions. Convenient food will attract any person regardless of age or gender, and so does obesity. Obesity can play some personal roles in some cases, but when it comes to societal issues that the government or public can influence, it is an issue ignited by the public.    

References

                        Zinkzenco, D. (2002) Don't Blame The eater