The First Wealth is Health

For several decades, the United States has been stereotypically considered as a nation that continuously indulges in fast food and favors a sedentary lifestyle. Regrettably, this is an assumption that a large portion of the American population has proven to be true. In contrast, European nations have taken various political, legal, and social steps to avoid disastrous health consequences associated with erroneous diet and nutrition. The health of the American population has, for many years, been on a downward trod; however, modeling after Europe, numerous steps should be taken to protect food consumers within their homes and out in public and promote a healthy diet among the population.

While most Americans are undoubtedly aware of health concerns in terms of weight nationwide, most of them don’t fathom the extent of this epidemic until clear-cut numbers are presented – and those numbers are intimidating. While in 1960 the number was 45%, in 2008, 68% of American adults were overweight and half of those who were overweight had already reached obesity. In his article Beating Obesity, Marc Ambinder stated that “In 2010, we still rank as the world’s fattest developed nation, with an obesity rate more than double that of many European nations.” In July of 2011, Annie Summers published an article in which the statistics presented 79% of the whole American population, not just adults, as overweight or obese. While statistics vary, it is a discernable fact that the number of Americans that enter the category of being overweight is rapidly rising and inducing numerous health concerns. Companies of many different categories have often focused on promoting weight loss, but throughout the past decade, various organizations have intensified...

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...ue to carry on these healthful values.

Works Cited

Abend, Lisa. “Beating Butter: Denmark Imposes the World’s First Fat Tax.” Time World. N.p., Oct. 2011. Web. 9 Mar. 2012.

Ambinder, Marc. "Beating Obesity." Atlantic Monthly Vol. 305, No. 4. May 2010: 72+. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 08 Mar 2012.

Carollo, Kim. "No More Food Pyramid: Nutritional Icon Is Now a Plate." ABC News. N.p., 2 June 2011. Web. 21 Mar. 2012.

Joseph, Stephen. Ban Trans Fats. Ed. Stephen Joseph. N.p., 2003. Web. 15 Mar. 2012.

Stewart, Hayden, and others. "Let's Eat Out: Americans Weigh Taste, Convenience, and Nutrition." Let's Eat Out: Americans Weigh Taste, Convenience, and Nutrition. Oct. 2006: iii-10. SIRS Government Reporter. Web. 08 Mar 2012.

Summers, Annie. "Obesity in America Compared to Other Countries." Livestrong. Lance Armstrong Foundation, 4 July 2011. Web. 14 Mar. 2012.