English Essay
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Contributing Factors to Obesity Obesity is a chronic and serious problem within American society. It is estimated that close to 70% of the American adult population is overweight, or obese. This is a growing concern for the future of America. People become obese when more calories are consumed, than the body can burn. Many factors contribute to this growing epidemic including, lifestyle, psychological problems, and even parents. The biggest contributor to being overweight is many peoples lifestyle. America has become a very fast paced society. In a world where time is money, many people simply do not have the time to eat healthy. Fast food restaurants have popped up on every street corner allowing for people to grab a quick meal, rather than eating a healthier alternative. The food served at fast food restaurants are known to have an increase in fat content, calories, and sometimes have little to no nutritional value. These foods are made to taste good, rather than being a good source of nutrition. The U.S. government suggests that males 19-30 years old consume 2,400 calories, 65g of fat, and 300g of carbohydrates per day. A Big Mac combo meal (with fries and a drink) from McDonalds has, 1,200 calories, 108g of fat, and 136g of carbohydrates. One meal from McDonalds almost fulfills a person’s suggested calorie, carbohydrate intake, and almost doubles the suggested fat intake. The fast food industry is a major contributor to America’s obesity problem because of their accessibility, price, and nutritional content. A person who eats fast food on a regular basis will have problems with their weight, blood pressure, heart, and physical wellbeing. Fast food is not the only contributing factor to obesity; psychological factors also play an important role in the matter. According to David Mela, “Craving is an interesting phenomenon because it appears to arise in response to both internal and external cues.”
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Contributing Factors to Obesity Obesity is a chronic and serious problem within American society. It is estimated that close to 70% of the American adult population is overweight, or obese. This is a growing concern for the future of America. People become obese when more calories are consumed, than the body can burn. Many factors contribute to this growing epidemic including, lifestyle, psychological problems, and even parents. The biggest contributor to being overweight is many peoples lifestyle. America has become a very fast paced society. In a world where time is money, many people simply do not have the time to eat healthy. Fast food restaurants have popped up on every street corner allowing for people to grab a quick meal, rather than eating a healthier alternative. The food served at fast food restaurants are known to have an increase in fat content, calories, and sometimes have little to no nutritional value. These foods are made to taste good, rather than being a good source of nutrition. The U.S. government suggests that males 19-30 years old consume 2,400 calories, 65g of fat, and 300g of carbohydrates per day. A Big Mac combo meal (with fries and a drink) from McDonalds has, 1,200 calories, 108g of fat, and 136g of carbohydrates. One meal from McDonalds almost fulfills a person’s suggested calorie, carbohydrate intake, and almost doubles the suggested fat intake. The fast food industry is a major contributor to America’s obesity problem because of their accessibility, price, and nutritional content. A person who eats fast food on a regular basis will have problems with their weight, blood pressure, heart, and physical wellbeing. Fast food is not the only contributing factor to obesity; psychological factors also play an important role in the matter. According to David Mela, “Craving is an interesting phenomenon because it appears to arise in response to both internal and external cues.”
Cited: Mela, David. “Food, Diet and Obesity” 1st Edition. Woodhead Publishing, 2004. 129-130. eBook. Nissenberg, Sandra. “Eating Right from 8 to 18: Nutrition Solutions for Parents.” 1st Edition. New York: Wiley, 2002. 116. eBook.