Obesity in America: The New Epidemic

There is a huge problem spreading across this nation. It’s affecting adults and children alike. It’ this nation’s newest epidemic, it has even been compared to other epidemics such as cigarettes and drugs. The epidemic is obesity and it is sweeping the nation. Americans are now considered to be the fattest people on earth (Pollan, par. 1). The worst part about this epidemic however is not how it is affecting adults but how it is affecting kids. The growing number of overweight kids is getting to be ridiculous. However, it is not these childrens’ faults for their being overweight. There are many different factors that come into this equation. America’s obsession with fast food and ever growing portion sizes, the amount of advertising to young children for food that is not healthy, and children’s inactive lifestyles are all such factors. In addition, the physical and emotional effects on that obesity has on children are just as important.

Americans spend more money on fast food than on higher education, personal computers, computer software or new cars (Russo, par. 1 ). No wonder America is getting fat. This should not be a surprise to anyone, as one can find a McDonalds or a Burger King on every corner in just about every own. America has an obsession with fast food for three reasons. It’s fast, it’s cheap and it tastes good. Why would anyone not want to eat fast food? Most people know that it is terrible for you but to most people the positives in this equation outweigh the negatives. Americans also appreciate value; people in this country want to get the best value for their money. When one is looking at a menu of fast food items, most likely they will want the biggest bang for their buck. Why get one cheeseburger, a small fry and a drink when you can get two cheeseburgers, a large fry, and a large drink for just a dollar more. Most people would opt for the second choice.