The dependence on fast food by Americans has developed into a major predicament. In 2013 about eighty percent of Americans report eating at fast food restaurants at least once a month; more than half of them (about forty-seven percent of Americans) report that they eat at a fast food restaurant at least once a week (Richmond 2). Compared to the year 2006 the percentage of Americans who ate at least once a month have dropped only one percent from eighty-one percent to eighty percent (Richmond 2). Since a large percentage of Americans still eat at fast food restaurants it has become a problem. The problem is caused from a majority of fast food being unhealthy and convenient (Muntel 8). There are an excess amount of fast food restaurants and they can be found almost everywhere. Most Americans are overscheduled and it is easier to buy fast food than to take time to cook (Muntel 10). Americans should lessen their dependency on unhealthy fast food. Americans should lessen their dependency on unhealthy fast food by having it regulated. The first reason fast food should be regulated is that it cause for obesity. Almost thirty-two percent of American adults are now considered to be clinically obese (Bridge 4). This is an astonishing statistic considering that the obesity rate has almost doubled since 1995 (Bridge 4). Many fast food choices are in high calories (Muntel 6). A whole day’s worth of calories could be easily taken in by just one meal from fast food alone (Muntel 6). Another reason to regulate fast food is that it is unhealthy. Most fast food items are highly processed and filled with fat and sodium (Muntel 6). People are unaware of the consequences of fast food. The extra fat can lead to cardiovascular disease while a high sodi... ... middle of paper ... ...lternatives only affects the person who seeks it out (“Should the” 16). Another reason choosing alternatives is better than regulation is that the food industry is willing to spend millions just to battle regulations (Halkett 8). Unlike awareness which can cost upwards of tens of millinos of dollars, choosing alternatives simply a cheaper way to lower the dependences of fastfood. It can also take a while for people to be aware of the dangers of fast food, while choosing alternatives are quick and easy to do. The problem of America’s dependence to fast food can be eliminated. It will, however, take time money and a combined effort by many people. Works Cited Muntel, Sarah. "Fast Food – Is It the Enemy?" Obesity Action Coalition. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. Richmond, Holly. "The Richer You Are, the More You Eat Fast Food! Wait, What?" Grist. 7 Aug. 2013. Web. 20 Nov. 2013.
The American diet has changed dramatically in the past couple centuries and so has the restaurant industry. The result of this change in Americans actions and diets is a rising obesity rate among children. In the 1970s, the childhood obesity rate was five percent of children (2-19 years old). The obesity rates doubled in the 1980s and by 2008 16.9% of children were obese (Grossklavs and Marvlesin). The percentage of obese children has more than tripled in the last 40 years. The growing epidemic is dangerous and alarming. There are many factors that contribute to the dramatic rise of obesity children. As obesity has grown, so has the fast food industry. “Between 1977 and 1995, the percentage of meals and snacks eaten at fast food restaurants doubled,” (...
Common sense seems to dictate that fast food is bad for you, however, many Americans consume fast food on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis. In “Don’t Blame the Eater,” David Zinczenko argues that fast-food companies and the food industry are to blame for America’s obesity epidemic, essentially that it is not the individuals fault for becoming obese, and that in essence, fast-food companies ought to take responsibility for the health issues induced by consuming the food. He explains how bombarded you are with unhealthy, greasy, and fattening food everywhere you look; whereas it is much more difficult to access healthy alternatives. He describes the vicious cycle of purchasing cheap ailing meals, rather
Fast food has infiltrated every nook and cranny of American society. Everywhere you turn you can see a fast food restaurant. An industry that modestly began with very few hot dog and hamburger vendors now has become a multi-international industry selling its products to paying customers. Fast food can be found anywhere imaginable. Fast food is now served at restaurants and drive-through, at stadiums, airports, schools all over the nation. Surprisingly fast food can even be found at hospital cafeterias. In the past, people in the United States used to eat healthier and prepared food with their families. Today, many young people prefer to eat fast food such as high fat hamburgers, French-fries, fried chicken, or pizza in fast
Fast food restaurants in America can be located on almost every street corner in almost every city. The enticing aroma of a burger and fries can be found at several locations in nearly every city, town, or suburb. According to Alaina Mcconnel, the 5 most popular fast food restaurants of 2011 are McDonalds, Subway, Starbucks, Wendy’s and Burger King (Mcconnell, A., & Bhasin, K., 2012). Fast food joints have a ruthless history of being fattening, greasy, and unhealthy with films like Super-Size me and Food Inc. giving the...
Every month, at least ninety percent of Americans visit a fast food restaurant and about forty- five percent of them make it a weekly occurrence. These statistics make it safe to say Americans are obsessed with fast food, but why are Americans addicted to these restaurants? Is it the low prices, quick service or the taste of the food? According to Eric Schlosser, the author of Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side off the All-American Meal, he believes “It’s easy, it's filling, and it's convenient and inexpensive.” Therefore, the consumption of fast food is now directly correlated to the obesity epidemic in America. Consequently, the recent obesity increase in the United States has labeled America the fattest country.
As busy Americans, we’re always on the run. When hungry and in a hurry there are many speedy, convenient, and healthy items available. Many people believe that fast-food chains are a central cause of obesity in America because there is plethora amount of fast-food restaurants on every block, but very few healthy alternatives. Sure, fast food restaurants are very easy to find and offer quick service, but there are other options that are also healthy, convenient, and economica...
Ransohoff, Julia. "Fast Food." Doctors, Patient Care, Health Education, Medical Research. N.p., Oct. 2013. Web. 20 May 2014.
Kushner, Jason, ed. "Fast Food and Obesity Epidemic."Nutra Legacy. Nutralegacy.com , 12 Nov 2008. Web. 16 Jan 2014. .
Millions of American people buy fast food every day without thinking about where, how and why. The ramifications of fast food is impacting the American people both around the waist line and the community where they live at. “As the old saying goes: you are what you eat.” (Schlosser) The customer have made the choices to eat fast food or not. The industry doesn’t care about the customers; studies have shown that the fast food industry is the reason for the rise of American obesity. “Live fast and die young” (Moore); this could not be more true when looking at the impact of the fast food industry.
One out of every three Americans is obese, and the majority of these obese people in the United States have eaten regularly at fast food restaurants. As the obesity rate increases, the number of fast food restaurants goes up as well. Although it is not certain, many believe that obesity in the United States is correlated to eating fast food. Since the United States has the highest obesity rate out of any country, it is important for Americans to monitor the fast food industry that may be causing obesity. With the pressure to get things done in a timely manner, fast food has become a big necessity.
With the world moving faster and faster everyday many people find themselves too busy to cook a healthy meal at home every night and find themselves leaning on fast food for convenience. This convenience leads many to consume fast food from a variety of rather unhealthy restaurant choices multiple days a week. The unhealthy food we see being sold in these restaurants contributes to the unhealthy food Americans are putting in their mouths everyday, leading to poor nutrition, weight gain, and eventually obesity. These fast food restaurants are the “kings of convenience,” and with the busy lives many Americans live today they draw a lot of customers. This essence of convenience is a dangerous temptation that many Americans give in to every day and the unhealthy fast food they consume contributes greatly to their
Over the last three decades, fast food has infiltrated every nook and cranny of American society and has become nothing less than a revolutionary force in American life. Fast food has gained a great popularity among different age groups in different parts of the globe, becoming a favorite delicacy of both adults and children.
Obesity is a big social issue in America. Due to the popularity of fast food and other unhealthy foods, more and more Americans are developing health diseases and disorders. We should be getting the correct daily nutrition amount, but because of our fast paced lifestyles we sometimes do not have enough time. Fast food restaurants make it possible to grab a meal and go. We often do not pay attention to the nutrition amount, but are simply looking for a quick bite to eat that will fulfill our hunger. Fast food is assisting in the increase of obesity in America (“Phrase” par.2).
"Is Fast Food to Blame for Obesity?" The Premier Online Debate Website. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.
Another reason fast foods are unhealthy are they contain too many calories (Ram) correlated to the rate of overweight and obese teenagers increasing at an distressing rate; fast food is considered to be the major causative feature. In 1976, 5% of the 12-19 year olds were considered obese, this increased to 18.1% by 2008. About 35% of the teenagers report consuming fast food six or more times per week. The American society has become an environment that promotes obesity by promoting increased food intake, unhealthy foods and a sede...