Persuasive Essay On Obesity

Stop Blaming Others Obesity is a serious problem that increases year after year and affects the lives of many Americans. It is a problem that needs to be eradicated, but who is responsible for this problem? Some argue that individuals are responsible for their own weight; that it is a private concern. Some others, on the other hand, argue that it is a public concern; therefore, the government should play a significant role to stop reduce obesity from the public domain. They also argue that advertisements for junk food are factors that increase obesity. As persuasive as the advertisements can be and even with the help of the government, it is our decision to not eat healthy and end up in a state of obesity. Every individual is responsible

Kelly Brownell and Marion Nestle write that advertisements contribute to the increase of obesity in kids, since “each year kids see more than 10,000 foods ads on TV alone, almost all for items like soft drinks, fast foods and sugared cereals.” Brownell and Nestle fail to see that kids are under the authority of their parents and they decide what their kids eat, so in reality the advertisements target the parents. Kids are the reflection of their parents. Children walk down the same path as their parents, as the image in the article demonstrates. If parents walk towards the path of obesity, then their children will follow their example. Brownell and Nestle also explain, “Humans are hardwired… to like foods high in sugar, fat, and calories.” What Brownell and Nestle are saying is that it is a waste of time to try to eat healthy because it is against our nature. However, if that is the case, then no one would be healthy; everyone would be obese. There is no one to blame but ourselves for our

Brownell and Nestle write, “Imploring people to eat better and exercise more has been the default approach to obesity for years. That is a failed experiment.” How can someone lose weight if it is not through a good diet and exercise? How then the government will stop obesity? If the government intervenes, then it will suggest or beg people to move towards a better a life style. Brownell and Nestle state, “The [personal responsibility] argument is startlingly similar to the tobacco industry’s efforts to stave off legislative and regulatory interventions.” The tobacco industry finally saw interventions into its business when it could no longer advertise its product in television. However, that has not stopped consumers to buy tobacco products because it is their decision to consume them. As there are people who consume tobacco products, there are people who do not; their will can overcome any temptation. There is not even one regulation that could stop people to make a