MD HAQUE
Professor: Barnes
Argumentative Essay
Fast Foods and Obesity
Obesity has been more prevalent worldwide, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom, over the last few decades. As a result, while the two countries have the highest prevalence, each country is affected to some level. As a result, the focus switches from being a national issue to one that affects many countries worldwide. Obesity, on the other hand, has been related to a variety of disorders and causes, and it has been linked to premature heart disease, strokes, and diabetes all over the world. This study aims to establish a link between obesity and fast food consumption.
To begin with, obesity is linked to a degree by the number and amount of calories consumed. The majority of fast meals marketed have high-calorie content, and because of their addictive nature, frequent intake and addiction to fast foods lead to individuals consuming more and more fast foods. “ After more than two decades of rising obesity, the rate of increase among Americans is slowing and possibly leveling off, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)” (Obesity.” CQ Researcher, 15 June 2013). As a result, they get obese since fast food consumed is directly proportionate to the number of calories ingested. However, if physical activity can offset these calories, obesity can be prevented. However, fast-food customers rarely remember to engage in physical activity. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 1976 and 2002, the calorie density and quantity of foods consumed increased. According to additional studies, between 1985 and 2002, the United States alone increased per capita calorie consumption by almost 300 calories, increasing the number of obese persons.
Second, fast foods have been linked to an energy imbalance in humans. Experts claim that food preferences are influenced by several other elements, including behavior, culture, environment, and socioeconomic activity. According to studies, foods impact energy intake and how that energy interacts with the metabolism. “According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has more than doubled worldwide since 1980. In 2014 more than 1.9 billion adults (39 percent of Earth’s adult population) were overweight. That includes 600 million who were obese” (Kiener). Furthermore, energy and genetic elements may determine the body’s weight. Obesity or excessive weight can come from an imbalance in the quantity of energy consumed through eating and drinking vs. the amount spent on physical exercise. Fast foods are high in energy, so if someone develops a strong desire to consume them, it is possible that he or she will not be able to create a balance between the energy necessary for physical activity and the energy consumed through eating and drinking.
Thirdly, fast foods have a high sodium and salt content, a high carbohydrate content, a high sugar content, a high-fat content or a high-calorie level. Fast meals with a high-fat level and those with a high-calorie content are hazardous since they contribute to obesity. This is because the food’s high fat and calorie content destabilize the body mass index, raising it in the process, increasing the consumer’s weight, and finally making weight management difficult. Food is pleasant and addictive does not imply that it is part of a well-balanced diet. “Food companies and advertisers are under increasing pressure to stop aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods to children. As a result, food companies have launched “self-regulatory efforts to promote healthy eating by young people,” according to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) study.”( Obesity.” CQ Researcher, 2013). Many individuals are driven by the flavor of fast food when they consume it, according to studies, and as a result, they compromise the quality of their diet, the way they consumption of unhealthy meals, which teenagers and children usually consume.
Fourth, fast foods are sold in massive quantities compared to nutritious meals. People choose them since they provide more for less money, but the portion that could be gotten for healthy foods would be tiny for the same amount of money. “Several studies show that low-income people have among the highest obesity rates. It’s not exactly clear why, but several anti-hunger groups say limited access to healthy food in neighborhoods dense with convenience stores and fast food outlets is part of the problem.”(Mantel). Their focus shifts away from the quality of the food they consume and the quantity of food they consume. According to researchers, their amount is equivalent to the body weight gained due to their excessive consumption of these meals. Furthermore, despite the increasing size of the dish, the person consumes the entire meal regardless of size or satisfaction since he or she is motivated by flavor rather than satisfaction. As a result of their excessive portion eating, they eventually gain excessive weight.
On the other hand, fast food is one of the most convenient and inexpensive ways to eat. It saves a significant amount of time and money, particularly for folks returning home from work. “McDonald’s engaged in marketing practices which enticed children to consume their respective products in larger portions through the use of “value meal” and meal-combo advertisements without disclosing their detrimental health effects” (Greenblatt). As the success of fast food demonstrates, being more convenient than the competition almost always gives you a considerable competitive advantage. There’s no denying that there’s no faster or better way to quell your churning tummy. But, on the other hand, what is the price to pay if you’ve had your fill and developed new illnesses as a result of consuming fast food? Food-borne infections are estimated to cause 6 million to 81 million illnesses and up to 9,000 deaths in the United States each year. Any of these numbers could belong to a member of someone’s family. The food you eat at your neighborhood fast food business contains the majority of these bacteria. Eating at one of these establishments can result in hospital bills totaling thousands of dollars, all because of a contaminated burger.
In short, there is a definite link between fast food and obesity. However, if excessive consumption of these fast foods is also avoided, these issues can be reversed. However, a holistic approach must be devised, and all people must be involved. The United States and the rest of the world will experience significant health problems unless this is done.
Work Cited
“Obesity.” CQ Researcher, 15 June 2013, library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqr_ht_obesity_2013.
Kiener, Robert. “Obesity.” CQ Researcher, 11 June 2015, library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqr_ht_obesity_2015.
Greenblatt, Alan. “Obesity Epidemic.” CQ Researcher, 31 Jan. 2003, pp. 73-104, library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2003013106.
Mantel, Barbara. “Preventing Obesity.” CQ Researcher, 1 Oct. 2010, pp. 797-820, library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2010100100.
