Essay On Junk Food

America is one of the many countries with high obesity rates. Obesity is something that this country has been dealing with for many decades. Within the past few years, there has been an attempt by the government to regulate and control a few of the factors contributing to this problem, which are junk food and fast food. It is believed that these unhealthy choices are not only affecting Americans, but people all over the world. There is a debate on whether or not the government should place stronger regulatory rules on fast food, junk food, and beverage industries.
Stronger regulatory rules need to be enforced by the government on fast food and junk food because the effects of unhealthy foods not only have a negative impact on Americans, but also on a global scale. It was reported on September 8, 2013 by news website, rt.com, that “from Mexico to Qatar, obesity rates are soaring to unprecedented levels. The alarming trend is damaging economic performance, as well as the health of millions of consumers worldwide.” Though fast food and junk food are factors to the rise in obesity rates, they are, however, not the only contributing factors to the increase of overweight people. Rt.com also states, “[take] our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, mix in a generous portion of American fast-food and dubious agricultural practices, add a dash of corporate duplicity and you have a recipe for high obesity rates across the planet.” Continuing this type of lifestyle could only lead to more negative outcomes and, possibly, to the destruction of everyone. The only way to make great changes is to start by making smaller changes.

This leads to the next point, which is, unhealthy foods and snacks should be taken out of schools and replaced with heal...

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...er and obesity rates could be lower, but until greed is eliminated, there is always going to be someone backing up the fast food and junk food industries. Halkett also states, “Since the 1990s, the food and beverage industry has been one of the United States' biggest political campaign donors, spending almost $107 million on congressional and presidential campaigns.” Sugary and unhealthy foods and drinks are made to be, both, accessible and good. With people willing giving in to these companies because they satisfy and meet the need of convenience, which is affordability and taste, and these major companies give money and support the government, they will continue to be supported.
In the end, I have come to the realization that though healthy foods equals better life choices and physical health, fast food equals convenience and more money in the governments pocket.