Fast Food And Obesity
John Gooch
Eng 112
Carolyn Casey
11/12/14
Fast Food and Obesity The obesity epidemic Americans face today is a growing problem that affects more than half of the population. With growing body sizes and serious medical problems associated with obesity, it is a problem that needs to be addressed and changed. No one would argue that obesity, especially in children, is not a problem. However, the cause of childhood obesity is heavily debated. Many people claim that fast-food restaurants are to blame. In the following essay, I will argue that it is not the fault of fast-food restaurants that America has a growing obesity problem, but instead there is a need for personal accountability among consumers. In the article, Don’t Blame the Eater, author David Zinczenko talks about the fast-food industry and its role in the childhood obesity epidemic. Zinczenko shares his personal story about how fast-food restaurants such as Taco Bell and McDonald’s led to a weight problem during his high-school years. He claims that the ease of accessibility and lack of healthy alternatives make it all too easy to fall into the cycle of unhealthy eating. Zinczenko also contends that the lack of nutrition labels on fast-food products leaves the consumer in the dark about what he or she is actually consuming. As busy Americans, we are always on the go. When hungry and in a hurry there are many fast, convenient, and healthy items available. Many people who insist that fast-food chains are a main cause of obesity in America because there are a plethora of fast-food restaurants on every block with few healthy alternatives, are not looking at the whole picture. Sure, fast food restaurants are very easy to find and offer quick, in-and-out service, but there are other options that are convenient, economical, and healthy, especially in an urban area such as Chicago. Restaurants such as Panera and Chipotle offer a range of items that are healthy and provide a quick service for those on a
Eng 112
Carolyn Casey
11/12/14
Fast Food and Obesity The obesity epidemic Americans face today is a growing problem that affects more than half of the population. With growing body sizes and serious medical problems associated with obesity, it is a problem that needs to be addressed and changed. No one would argue that obesity, especially in children, is not a problem. However, the cause of childhood obesity is heavily debated. Many people claim that fast-food restaurants are to blame. In the following essay, I will argue that it is not the fault of fast-food restaurants that America has a growing obesity problem, but instead there is a need for personal accountability among consumers. In the article, Don’t Blame the Eater, author David Zinczenko talks about the fast-food industry and its role in the childhood obesity epidemic. Zinczenko shares his personal story about how fast-food restaurants such as Taco Bell and McDonald’s led to a weight problem during his high-school years. He claims that the ease of accessibility and lack of healthy alternatives make it all too easy to fall into the cycle of unhealthy eating. Zinczenko also contends that the lack of nutrition labels on fast-food products leaves the consumer in the dark about what he or she is actually consuming. As busy Americans, we are always on the go. When hungry and in a hurry there are many fast, convenient, and healthy items available. Many people who insist that fast-food chains are a main cause of obesity in America because there are a plethora of fast-food restaurants on every block with few healthy alternatives, are not looking at the whole picture. Sure, fast food restaurants are very easy to find and offer quick, in-and-out service, but there are other options that are convenient, economical, and healthy, especially in an urban area such as Chicago. Restaurants such as Panera and Chipotle offer a range of items that are healthy and provide a quick service for those on a