Obesity In America

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Since the beginning of this great country we call the United States of America, food has been a huge part of our culture. Whether it’s at family gatherings or you’re out on the town with your friends, food always seems to be the focal point of the activity. It’s no secret that Americans love their food, but do we love it too much? Obesity has been a major issue that our country has faced in the last few years. Whether it’s children or adults, obesity can affect everyone. The question is, are fast food restaurants and junk food the cause of this problem? People tend to blame restaurants like McDonald’s and Taco Bell for their unhealthy menu options, but they don’t dig any deeper into the problem. To most, they turn a blind eye to the other …show more content…

Whether it’s the allure of the toys included in the meal or the quickness that the food is available, fast food seems like an easy choice. Since the food contains unhealthy amounts of things like sodium and fat, it’s no wonder people blame these restaurants for the obesity problems. Also, fast food restaurants make their profit from deals and promotions. The amount of advertisement focused on fast food is another reason it’s so popular. While the items at fast food restaurants contribute to our country’s obesity, that isn’t the only …show more content…

While the argument about the popularity of the fast food restaurants being the main cause of the problem is plausible, it isn’t entirely accurate. For example, people tend to think that fast food restaurants are cheaper than cooking at home, so that’s why people eat out so much. A quote from our book says this, “a typical order for a family of four-for example, two Big Macs, a cheeseburger, six chicken McNuggets, two medium and two small fries, and two medium and two small sodas-costs, at the McDonald’s a hundred steps from where I write, about $28. They went on to say, “You can serve a roasted chicken with vegetables along with a simple salad and milk for about $14, and feed four or even six people (Bittman, 660). This proves that the price of fast food isn’t economical. Also, fast food restaurants aren’t the only source of food that’s bad for the body. At every grocery store and gas station, there are processed foods that taste amazing, but can damage your body. While fast food and junk foods play a part in our weight gain, I believe that eating processed foods also contributes to our obesity. There are many things that contribute to the increasing obesity rates, and it’s going to take a united attack to stop it. With that being said, I think everyone should read the labels on their food and know what’s going into their body. One of the many ways to do this is to buy more

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