Obesity and Fast Foods - Research Paper Example

?Obesity and Fast Foods Introduction Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate the world over. The World Health Organization estimates that current figures for the condition are at 300 million and this number is set to increase in the coming years (as cited by Rigby). Obesity is determined based on Body Mass Index (BMI) with a BMI of more than 30kg/m2 characterized registering as obesity obese (Rigby). There are various causes for this condition, including family history, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, environment, medicines, smoking, age, pregnancy, and lack of sleep, among others (NHLDC). Reports have also indicated that the fast food culture is also contributing to this condition. Other interest groups are however inclined to disagree with this report, claiming that obesity cannot be blamed on fast food restaurants, instead, they claim that it is the responsibility of each person to maintain their health. This paper shall discuss the issue on whether or not we are taking the blame for fast food restaurants for obesity. It shall also discuss: when is obesity an individual responsibility and when is it appropriate to place blame? This study is being carried out in order to establish an academic and scholarly discussion on the subject matter. Discussion In an article by Swaine, the author cited a study by academics from the University of California and Northwestern University which set forth that the link between the consumption of restaurant foods and obesity is minimal. It therefore argued that placing a tax on high-calorie food is not an effective way of reducing obesity. The study covered data from the US Department of Agriculture on calorie intake in the United States (Swaine). In the course of its study, it established that individuals living near restaurants were not more likely to be obese, as compared to those living further away. This article indicated that easy access to fast foods had little effect on the obesity (or lack thereof) of nearby residents. The study also expressed that even as fast foods often contained more calories than home-cooked products, most customers often compensated for this by eating less throughout the rest of the day (Swaine). Obese individuals who eat at fast food restaurants often end up eating more in their own homes. In effect, fast food restaurants cannot be solely blamed for people’s obesity because even without their presence, those who are obese would still likely be obese. Consequently, even as taxing restaurants for their high-calorie foods may indeed be prudent and may trigger customers to eat something else, it would still not resolve people’s inherent tendency to overeat (Swaine). The blame for obesity is being placed on fast food chains. This blame has apparently stemmed from the practice of these food chains in supersizing their meals and making them available at low prices. This supersizing practice has been attributed to the fierce competition among these food chains (Murphy). Consumers who are financially disadvantaged sometimes look to these meals for their family dinners in order to save on cash, and still be able to feed their families. These supersized portions however are also high in fat and cholesterol (Murphy). Overly eager lawyers who have seen their colleagues profit from the 90 million dollar payout from the tobacco lawsuits have now eyed fast food restaurant as their next “Joe Camel.” After the tobacco lawsuit, the blame for obesity has been pointed on fast food companies because of the latter’s apparent practice of actively selling and peddling their high-calorie and high-cholesterol foods to unsuspecting customers (Murphy). Considering the significant number of obese Americans and the various fast food chains stores who are earning major profits from their supersized meals, the “tobacco lawsuits” are an enticing prospect for lawyers wanting to cash in on these potential lawsuits (Murphy). In a discussion by Murphy, she set forth that “the portions served by fast food chains and other restaurants are far larger than the recommended portion size for most foods”. Moreover, the costs for these foods are also low, making the customer feel like he is getting more than his money’s worth in his purchase. As these customers make the habit of eating out more, they also become well-adjusted to the supersized meals (Murphy). Eventually, they end up thinking that the portions are just normal. By then, they have taken in more than their recommended caloric intake and have already gained excess weight from their food habits. Fast food chains do not notify their customers about the hidden health dangers of their products (Murphy). For which reason, some individuals argue that these chains must also take a portion of the blame for the increased incidence of obesity. They point out that possible lawsuits against these chains would prompt them to take more responsibility for their unhealthy products. On the other side of this issue, it is important to note that cigarettes, as compared to foods, have addictive substances. The tobacco companies have been ordered to pay the fine for these addictive substances in their cigarettes (Murphy). In applying this argument to fast food chains, these chains and their supersized foods can hardly be considered addictive. They may indeed be enticing to the customer because of their taste and packaging, however, the fast food chains can hardly be blamed for making their foods delicious and for presenting their products enticingly (Murphy). Moreover, if their customers consume their supersized meals, the food chains can hardly be blamed for their customer’s lack of self control. The lawsuits against the fast food restaurants being launched in behalf of obese individuals seem to speak more about the greed of lawyers wanting to make money off of their client’s lack of self-control (Murphy). Those who refuse to believe that fast food chains are to blame for people’s obesity also point out that people would eat fast food even if they know it is not good for them, therefore, individuals must take responsibility for their health and food habits. In other words they insist that fast food chains must not be blamed for the problem of obesity. Efforts to sue fast food chains have already been initiated. In the case of Pelman v. McDonald’s Corporation was brought on by children and their parents who regularly ate at McDonald’s. They accused the corporation of consumer fraud, deceptive advertising, and for not posting the nutritional content of their foods. Judge Robert Sweet, in his discourse about the case posed the query: where should the line be drawn between an individual’s own responsibility to take care of herself, and society’s responsibility to ensure that others shield her? The judge did not set forth an answer to the question; however it ruled that the plaintiffs did not show enough proof of the addictive qualities of McDonald’s food or that their consumption of the food at McDonald’s caused their health issues (Munger, p. 393). In this case, the judge represented the political and social majority and he set forth that American jurors are skeptical about food litigation; he then went on to support his statements with statistical findings. Incidentally, fast food litigation caused outrage among some parents and interest groups who expressed their contempt against children and parents who did not wish to take responsibility for their eating habits (Munger, p. 393). An opinion from the Legal Times pointed out that most jurors believe that fast food lawsuits are not legitimate suits, with about 89% of 2,119 participants believing that fast food companies cannot be blamed for customer’s eating habits (Beaudette). These same jurors are however not too tolerant of fast food chains and their practice of directly soliciting children and misleading them in the advertisements. They further pointed out that these advertisements must not target children because they could easily be enticed to buy their products. Lawsuits against these fast food chains for apparently causing obesity is considered by these jurors as illogical cases, however they would likely support lawsuits which seek to reprimand and punish fast food chains for not warning their customers of the nutritional contents of their food (Beaudette). Moreover, jurors may give different reactions to the evidence and proof presented in the courts and the more outrageous proofs presented are often not given much credit by these jurors. Even with failures in the filing and the progress of fast food litigation cases, the concern of the public on the issue of fast food chains contributing to obesity has been raised among consumers (Munger, p. 394). Fast food chains have responded accordingly for fear of these lawsuits. They have subsequently cut down food portions and have presented healthier options for their customers. Schools have also responded by removing sodas and other snack foods from their canteens. Nevertheless, despite these efforts to reduce cholesterol in foods, the incidence of obesity has remained on the rise (Munger, p. 394). Schlosser (p. 394) has set out to expose the fast food industry as a dangerous industry. He pointed out different negative consequence of these foods including obesity and labor abuse. He also cited the pervasive nature of the advertising field in these food chains which serve to ultimately advocate the fast food culture in the general population (Munger, p. 395). He also noted how these advertisements have managed to bombard children with enticing images. As a result many children are forced to look at the ads and to be stimulated by the images they see. They like the fact that they only have to go to McDonald’s and they would be able to enjoy free games and toys (Munger, p. 395). In the end, what child would be able to resist such enticements? Such is an issue within the health sector for many children in the world. Consequently, these issues and practices exacerbate the obesity issue seen in almost all parts of the world. Statistics from the World Health Organization profess that obesity is a major issue in the United States. For many individuals who are battling obesity, they express that they often spend a lot of time away from their homes and more often than not, they have less healthy food choices in the restaurants and fast foods where they choose to eat their meals. For which reason, many interest groups are pointing out that there is a need for these restaurants and fast foods to come up with better and healthier food choices (Rositano, p. 1). Based on the documentary Super Size Me, about 60% of Americans are overweight, and about 40% of American meals are eaten in fast foods and restaurants. The issue seems to linger then on whether or not it is the people’s fault that they do not possess self-control or if the fast food chains and other restaurants are to blame (Rositano, p. 1). In a discussion by Rositano (p. 1), she set forth that it may be a combination of the two; and the food industry must take some responsibility for the current obesity issues in America. In considering this case, we consider McDonald’s because it covers about 43% of the total fast food restaurants in America (Rositano, p. 1). This chain has about 30,000 restaurants in 100 countries all over the world. They are in almost every corner of America and in almost all countries. These chains are supposed to issue and make nutritional pamphlets available to their customers, but these pamphlets are hardly visible to the customers entering their stores. On a daily basis, 1 in 4 Americans enter fast food restaurants. For reasons of preference for fast foods and for convenience, these fast food chains are drawing in more consumers. For which reason, the fast food industry also has an obligation to the American people; their high-fat foods must be removed from their food choices and replaced with healthier alternatives (Rositano, p. 2). These fast food chains must also consider offering healthier salads – not those currently offered in their menu which often contains more calories than their burgers. For the most part, these changes would not turn away customers because the nature of convenience of these stores would still appeal to the consumers. The FDA has since issued a ban for the use of transfats in fast foods and many fast food chains have started preparing their food choices trans fats free (Rositano, p. 2). The issue however still remains on whether or not these improved food choices would assist in resolving the issue of obesity in the general population. Other opinions on the issue also point out that fast foods are not the cause of obesity (eMedTv, p. 1). Taking in more calories than the body can actually burn off -- is the cause of obesity. Environmental factors, including the regular habit of eating in fast foods can increase one’s risk to obesity, however, this habit is not the cause of obesity. It is a risk factor. Those who oppose the link between obesity and fast food chains point out that fast foods are being blamed for obesity because most of the foods they offer are high in calories and these foods are often big on portions. In effect, they give credence to the fact that such food choices promote overeating of unhealthy foods among consumers. In the end, it causes these consumers to gain weight (eMedTv, p. 1). Studies claim that individuals eating fast foods consume more calories than other individuals who do not consumer fast foods. They also consume more fat, sodium, and less fruits and vegetables. These chains also have unacceptable levels of trans fats and these trans fats are major contributors to weight gain, obesity, and heart disease (eMedTv, p. 1). In an interview by Stone Philips of several groups of individuals who had a major stake in the obesity issue, the reporter considered the fact that obesity is a major problem in America and critics have turned this issue into an unfair fight. They point out that suing food companies for the nutritional content of their foods, as well as their food portions seems to be a way of escaping blame for their lack of discipline in eating foods (Philips). They also emphasize that nobody ordered them to order a Big Mac or threatened them to eat the burger or else face punishment or reprimand. It is therefore illogical to blame their weight gain on these food companies (Philips). Many consumers claim that what people eat is their personal choice. It is therefore also one’s personal responsibility. Many academicians and lawyers are arguing that people are not free to choose what to put on their plates, and that customers are forced to make do with what is available to them (Philips). These lawyers point out that although blaming fast food chains for obesity does not seem prudent, these chains should be made to disclose on their menus how fattening their food is. This would give people adequate warning about their food choices and to take in the risk for their food choices. Opinions like these set forth the fact that obesity is not something which should be blamed solely on fast food chains, and that the individual blame for obesity is something which must be taken on by most people for their own benefit. Conclusion The discussion above sets forth important aspects of the health care industry – mostly on obesity and fast food chains. This discussion presented both sides of the issue. On one side, fast food chains are to be blamed for obesity because of their unhealthy food options, and for promoting the consumption of their supersized meals which often contain fats and other elements which are dangerous to the people’s health. On the other hand, blaming fast foods for individual food choices seems to be illogical because these chains do not force people to buy their foods. Nevertheless, these chains do have some responsibility to reveal the nutritional content of their food to their consumers – and then to allow their consumers to take (or not take) the risk of buying their products. This discussion implies the shared responsibility of individuals on their food choices and for fast food chains to take more responsibility in the food choices they make available to their consumers. Works Cited eMedTv. Fast Food and Obesity. 2011. 12 April 2011 from http://weight- loss.emedtv.com/obesity/fast-food-and-obesity.html Munger, R. Is Ronald McDonald the Next Joe Camel? Regulating Fast Food Advertisements That Target Children in Light of the American Overweight and Obesity Epidemic. University of Connecticut. 2004. 12 April 2011 from http://burger.law.uconn.edu/system/files/private/munger.pdf Murphy, J. The Super-sizing of America: Are Fast Food Chains to Blame for the Nation's Obesity? Speakout. 2000. 12 April 2011 from http://speakout.com/activism/issue_briefs/1333b-1.html National Heart and Lung Disease Center. What Causes Overweight and Obesity? NHLDC. 2011. 12 April 2011 from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/obe/obe_causes.html Philips, S. Who's to blame for the U.S. obesity epidemic? MSNBC. 2006. 12 April 2011 from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14415766/ns/dateline_nbc-food_fight/ Rigby, N. The Global Challenge of Obesity and the International Obesity Task Force. IUNS. 2002. 12 April 2011 from http://www.iuns.org/features/obesity/obesity.htm Rositano, T. Obesity: Who is to Blame? Associated Content. 2007. 12 April 2011 from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/269052/obesity_who_is_to_blame_pg3.html?cat=51 Schlosser, E. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. 2001. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Swaine, J. Fast food restaurants 'not to blame' for American obesity. Telegraph.uk. 2010. 12 April 2011 from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8084044/Fast-food-restaurants-not-to-blame-for-American-obesity.html Read More