Health Crisis: Obesity - Essay Example

In the medical world, among the several indicative parameters to determine the well being of a person is through Body Mass Index that is proportionate with his weight and height. A deviation from the normal range signifies that the person is obese. At present, 44 Million adults belong to the obese category, while an additional 6 million more have BMI’s, a hundred times more than an obese. Otherwise labeled by the author as “super-obese” (Schlosser 240,241).  According to several studies conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate at which these numbers grow every year does not qualify age, gender, race or even educational level.

Currently, it is postulated by the CDC, that 37 states in America have obesity rates of over 15%. Accordingly, this is attributed to the fact that good economy renders inexpensive and hefty meals, resulting in an increase in volume consumption that is coupled with a sedentary lifestyle. A major point stressed by this article is the lingering effect brought about by the advertising industry, resulting in this epidemic no longer responsive to healthy management by conscious choice. Statistics show that a number of food-joint positions their product in the market by offering large portion serving owing to the idea of getting your money’s worth.

But are they to be blamed considering that the option to choose is still a matter done by the consumer and not the seller? However the product is presented, ultimately if the consumer is made aware that the large 32-ounce coke contains 310 calories while a super-sized fries contains 610 calories and 29 grams fat, it is up to them whether they choose to dine in MacDonald or get healthy food. Wasn’t it a stringent government requirement to print nutritional labels on every food sold in the market?

Indeed the increasing volume of fast food consumption amplifies the truth that 280,000 American’s die of heart attack daily, but heart attacks can be caused by several other complex causes, even genetics included.