The Fast Food Industry - Essay Example

A Critique for Fast Food and Personal Responsibility Institution affiliates Name Introduction According to the American Heart Association, approximately 34.9% men, 40.1% women, and 16.9% of children and teenagers aged between two and nineteen years are obese (Rodger et al., 2012). Ninos Malek wrote "Fast Food and Personal Responsibility" an article describing a lawsuit that was filed a lawsuit against fast food companies on behalf of his clients as they believe that they are responsible for unhealthy life. The attorney, Hirsch also added that fast-food companies such as McDonald, Burger King, Wendy, and KFC do not put a warning about the nutrition contents of the products they sell, and they employ sophisticated marketing strategies to attract customers, which makes them responsible for what they sell. Hirsch also made his campaign to sound like he is sympathizing with the common man so that he can gather more support from the government. However, Malek believes that this claim is ridiculous, and we are all responsible for our health. Malek argues that the fast food companies do not force people to consume their products, and thus it's an individual responsibility to know the content of the food they buy and eat. The Americans live in a fortunate country where they can make choices about what to eat. However, our health professionals are accused for their desire for convenience; as a result fast food restaurants are on the rise. Americans are given healthier choices side by side with unhealthy foods indicating the calorie content, yet obesity rate has been on the rise over the recent years. The author gives an example of convenience lifestyle that makes it difficult for his students to choice healthier diet or prepares their meals; rather opt for chips and burgers. For this reason, it would not be fair to say that the fact food companies are responsible for ill health. He argues the whole issue has been politicized, lawsuits instead of education, which serves as a solution to the public obesity woes, with no end in sight. Many political parties want to benefit from the implication of fast food agenda that is considered an issue of health concern is destroying the present generation. For instance, the fat taxes on unhealthy food were a political agenda. In other words, the author believes that personal responsibility plays a significant role in regulating our behavior. According to the article, Consumers Say Responsibility for Obesity lies within the individual by Grocery Manufacturers of America, many people now believe that smart choices are necessary (HighBeam Business, 2002). The majority of Americans now agree that they are primarily responsible for their overweight problems. Approximately 83% agreed that lack of exercise, individual choices, and personally controlled factors are responsible for obesity cases in the country. Remarkably, only less than 5 % indicated that fast food companies were responsible for the increase of overweight cases. Analysis The fast food industry has incorporated other healthy foods in their menus such as salads and vegetables. . Eventually, the obligation lies with the clients to know the calorie count of the food they consume. In his article, Malek stressed that "I have never seen Ronald McDonald with an M-16 forcing people to buy Big Macs". Someone has to stop at McDonald and order a burger and consume without anyone asking him to. Even though consumption of fast food has a health implication, it is up to an individual to what the nutritional content of the food they choose to eat. Statistics has indicated that obesity affects a significant proportion of American population. This percentage is predicted to be increased to about 45% by 2030 if people do not change their lifestyles. The statistics also indicates that about 17% of children and adolescent are obese; these age-groups represent our future generation. They represent the future country leaders. Also, during adolescence a child is believed to grow physically and emotionally, yet these statistics have shown that more than a sixth of them are obese, and its implications such as heart diseases may increase over the years. Research indicates that childhood obesity can lead to serious health issues such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, asthma, liver diseases, and other psychological problems such as low self-esteem. Currently, 17 % may not seem to be alarming; however, this population is going to be significant for the growth of our nation. Additionally, the rising trend of obesity makes the problem worse. Various studies have found that obese children are more likely to remain obese in adulthood. About the current rising obesity statistics among the young generation, this health issue may become worse in future. If this situation is not addressed quickly, in future more than half of the citizens in our country will be obese. However, Malek failed to indicate that personal responsibility cannot apply to children. Children may not be able to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods, and they eat what they like, and thus individual responsibility lies on the parent and the people around them, Children behaviors are related to what they observe and learn from those people around them. Additionally, Malek failed to consider that personal responsibility only works to a certain extent and people tend to tend to act according to those around them. The habits of our close friends tend to have a significant influence on our decisions, as well as individual responsibilities. Consumers should take own responsibility for what they decide to eat. If one decided to eat a burger or French fries, they could not blame the company that sells that food. Malek has emphasized on this concept, noting that the lack of individual responsibility has made his students accusing the unhealthy foods in the school cafeteria. The author indicated that even though the cafeteria sells burritos and pizza, there are other healthier options such as salads and healthy foods. However, the students end up choosing the fast food. Alternatively, he adds the students could have an option of preparing their lunches. However, that would involve an extra cost, waking up earlier. Malek also indicated that most of the nutrition information about fast food I available on the internet and television. Therefore, we should not put the blame on the fast food companies but rather on ourselves. We must stop blaming these companies and understand actions are what counts by ordering healthier meals. It is our sole responsibility to understand the harmfulness we are exposing ourselves to by consuming such foods. I concur with Malek, who argues that eating fast food outweighs the cost of preparing our meals. Thus, consuming unhealthy fat diets is our choice. Obese Americans will not find a solution through filing lawsuits against these companies, but through making wiser choices by eating healthier diets wherever they are. Conclusions It is clear that the situation is very critical, and Malek makes perfect sense that personal responsibility and awareness is crucial. The current obesity statistics call for action and awareness campaign even though it means strict rules and regulation to reduce consumption of fast food by the children. Jacobson & Brownell (2000), article argued that to compensate for unhealthy foods, meals that are high in calories and fats should be subjected to a higher tax, while the cost of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables to be reduced. A higher taxed on high calories and fatty foods may reduce unhealthy foods consumptions. The public health professionals should also start nationwide campaign to educate parents on the detrimental effects of allowing their children to consume fast food. Finally, all fast food companies should display the nutritional content of their products as clearly as possible. Besides, the government should be responsible for ensuring the public are healthy, and the situation calls for immediate measures. References Highbeam Business. (March 2003). Consumer Say Responsibility for Obesity Lies with Individuals; New Survey Indicates Large Majority Believe Smart Choices are Key. U.S. Newswire via Comtex. Retrieved on 27 November 2015 from http://business.highbeam.com/1208/article-1G1-99194374/consumers-say-responsibility-obesity-lies-individuals. Jacobson, M. F & Brownell, K.D. (2000). Small Taxes on Soft Drinks and Snack Foods to Promote Health. American Journal of Public Health. Retrieved on 27 November 2015 from http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.90.6.854 Malek, N. P. Fast Food, and Personal Responsibility. Foundation For Economic Education. Undated. Retrieved on 27 November 2015 from http://fee.org/the_freeman/detail/fast-food-and-personal-responsibility/. Roger, V. L et al., (2012). On behalf of the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2012 update a report from the American Heart Association Circulation. Retrieved on 27 November 2015 from http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heartpublic/@wcm/@sop/@smd/documents/downloadable/ucm_319588.pdf. Read More