The Obesity Epidemic Sweeping the Nation

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Repeatedly the news will highlight a story about the obesity epidemic sweeping the nation. Although the news and health experts bombard the common citizen with quick and easy ways to eat healthier and exercise more, the source of the issue is kept hidden behind closed doors. Before placing blame on the eating habits, it’s essential to take a closer look at what is being consumed. With rapid change in the food industry, progress must be met with caution because “The way we eat has changed more in the past fifty years than in the past 10,000” (Pollan and Schlosser). It is easy for the common man to provide the blanket statement of eating “better”, yet few actually proceed to do this. The average American has one of the worst diets in the world although opportunity and variety of options are overwhelming. Food industries are deceiving by masking the true process of how their food is produced. Not only does the eye not see how the food was made, but there is also a false sense of variety in the grocery market. The grossly unbalanced American diets and genetically modified organisms both coexist to create a greater problem than previously thought of. Chemical advancement in modern science is a contributing factor to “better”, faster, and cheaper food production. Although the ideas of GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms) that scientists thrive for are theoretically beneficial, they are corrupting the natural methods for farming and food that consumers will purchase. Nowadays, around 70% of food has a genetically modified ingredient. What is being consumed in mass quantities across the country barely constitutes as food in some instances. A prime example lies in the tomato. Tomatoes are sold year round in grocery markets nationwide.... ... middle of paper ... ...oo dominant to change their way of production but if the consumer who pays the money demands a change, change will come. All of these problems evident in the nation’s food and diet present the same question to each person “Are you willing to make an effort for change, or will you remain oblivious and blind to the ever present issues?”. Works Cited Bittman, Mark. "It's The Sugar, Folks." New York Times 27 Feb. 2013: A29(L).Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 4 May 2014 "Dietary Treatment for Overweight and Obesity." Weight in America: Obesity, Eating Disorders, and Other Health Risks. Barbara Wexler. 2012 ed. Detroit: Gale, 2013. Information Plus Reference Series. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 4 May 2014 Kenner, Robert, dir. Food Inc. Magnolia Pictures, 2008. Film. Quillin, Patrick. "Cancer's Sweet Tooth." Nutrition Science News Apr. 2000: n. pag. Print.

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