Unhealthy Eating In America

Everything has a consequence. Positive or negative. A fact is that unhealthy eating will continue to result negatively in the people who eat it, and that is a fact that Americans will forevermore disregard. I am researching this issue because of the little knowledge I possess on the topic as well as to possibly enlighten those who don’t know much about this issue. Americans unhealthy food choices has resulted in numerous health issues, physically and mentally, It prevents them from doing normal daily activities that no one should have to struggle with. Also, excessive fast food eating has potentially ended up costing significantly more than the average American had intended, due to health costs. Influences are also a major cause as to why these

consequences happen.
Firstly, the health problems that occur after eating junk food are found to be the hardest impacts to endure in most Americans.

Over the past 40 years, obesity found in children from ages 6 to 19 has tripled (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation). Obesity rates are exceedingly high in children, but it is more frequent in adults. In 1985, none of the states in the U.S. surpassed an adult obesity rate of 15%, today those numbers have over doubled to 36.5% (CDC) as well as the number of fast food outlets (OAC). Unfortunately, If obesity is found in a person, there are most likely other physical and mental issues not too far behind. The mental impact on one’s brain due to unhealthy eating can be quite overwhelming. Eating a fast food diet results in loss of brain cells, therefore anxiety and depression are common as well as not being able to handle them. Because of the lack of control one has over depression and anxiety, they resort back to junk food, seeking relief, but it will only last for as long as they’re eating it (Fleck). Eating a junk food diet can affect all major aspects of the physical body, depending on the proportions and already present health issues. The main components in fast food consist of sodium, fat, and sugar, sadly those are also the main ingredients in heart disease, diabetes, and cancer (Pietrangelo and Carey). Fast food wouldn’t be such an issue if it offered more nutritional values, but this deficiency causes more unwanted health issues in

society.
Secondly, the cost of fast food and junk food are extremely low, which can be very pleasing to most Americans, however the health effects they cause can cost exceedingly more than buying healthy foods instead.

“People often say that healthier foods are more expensive, and that such costs strongly limit better diet habits,” (Rao) “But, until now, the scientific evidence for this idea has not been systematically evaluated, nor have the actual differences in cost been characterized.” Although a healthy diet requires $1.50 more per day than an unhealthy diet, those numbers will change when one continuously eats unhealthily and develops a health issue. Health problems such as cancer and type 2 diabetes need to be treated with chemo and very expensive medication that can cost $13,700 per year (ADA) and even over $17,460 out of pocket per year for chemo (Fauntleroy). With this in mind, buying healthy food items may be the cheapest option when comparing healthy and unhealthy diet costs. “When you consider the long-term health and financial impact, it's a good

investment.”(Rao).
Lastly, the influences that cause Americans to eat unhealthily are found all around them in their everyday life. The advertising on TV, emotions, convenience, living situation, and other countless reasons that could later result in so many unwanted consequences (Healthwise Staff). Busy families who are time conserved look for the quickest way to access food. Since most healthy meals are prepared at home and can’t be found in a drive through, people choose the faster option; fast-food. Emotions also play a big role in one’s food choices. When in a bad mood, one seeks sweet, oily, or salty junk foods to fill the void, not thinking about the future effects that may result. Rather, in a happy person, they consider the future impacts towards their health and don’t eat on impulse, but based on knowledge (Gardner et al.). The influences are everywhere and may seem minor and irrelevant, but once you are influenced by them, a lot may lie ahead of you.
Finally, the impact junk food has on Americans can be very displeasing. The health issues expensive costs, and the influences that started it all can together make one’s life a difficult one. Seconds of satisfaction sometimes just isn’t worth the consequences that could last a lifetime.