Argumentative Essay On Energy Dense Food

. American Epidemic

One major debate in today’s society is: are people overweight because of an economical standpoint, or because of a refusal to make healthy lifestyle choices? Higher calorie, energy dense food is certainly less expensive; yet, it is an individual 's choice to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Low income people often work multiple jobs, leading to stress and overeating as well; therefore, poverty certainly does cause obesity in American society today.

Purchasing high-fat, calorie dense food is cheaper then buying the rich and colorful diet recommended by doctors. When individuals are forced to buy food on

According to the Center of Public Health Nutrition at the University of Washington it is reported in the article “Can You Afford to Eat Right” energy dense food per day costs $3.52, while nutrient dense food costs $36.32, based on a 2,000 calorie diet (4+). Nutrient dense food is ten times more expensive than the high-fat, calorie filled options. Moreover, researches at the University of Washington compared the prices of 372 food and beverage items at three large supermarket chains in Seattle, Washington. First in 2004 and then again in 2006. In those two years, the average price of the lowest calorie foods increased by 20%. During that time the cost of the highest calorie food items only increased by 2% (“Can” 4+). The price of low calorie nutrition increased five times faster per year than high calorie options, therefore, in ten years the price of an apple will double. During the same time allowance, the price of potato chips will only grow by ten cents. Obesity is quickly becoming a socio-economic problem and an immense issue for society. Adam Drewnowski, director at the Center of Public Health and Nutrition at University of Washington

According to data collected by the Pew Research Center, obesity is primarily a disease of the poor, women, especially those living in a household income below 130% of the poverty line were obese, 42% to be exact. Of women above 350% of the poverty line, only 29% were obese. (DeSilver). Therefore, roughly two out of every five women living on an income of less than 15,000 a year is obese. Critics say, stress, especially chronic or ongoing, can trigger anxiety and depression, which are both associated with childhood and adult obesity (“Why”) While working multiple jobs stress is evident, having to please multiple bosses, and get adequate amounts of sleep and food and alone time, causes stress to pile up and spiral out of