Obesity A Growing Problem - 2076 Words

Obesity has become an immense problem in today’s society and, like the average American, has been growing larger and larger in recent years with showing no signs of slimming down. Although our society defines being obese as having any extra weight in even the slightest of capacities, the definition is a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body. Because obesity is such a big issue in America, one might want to know how we could let it get this bad, but who is truly responsible for obesity is a conflicting question. It is best said in a statement by Gregg Bloche, that â€Å"the lines of conflict reflect our country’s larger divides over the proper scope of personal responsibility, corporate†¦show more content†¦The problem with this is that â€Å"convenience food sellers hook consumers with high-calorie ingredients that eaters don t expect† (Bloche). We aren’t truly aware of what we are eating, and how co uld we be? In Bloche’s article the example of chicken nuggets is used, stating that it contains risky fats and oils never found in fried chicken. He goes on to state that this is â€Å"dangerous to an extent beyond that which would be contemplated by the ordinary consumer who purchases it†¦ because consumers do not knowingly accept its risks† (Bloche). They also give out portion sizes way out of hand, â€Å"it has been clearly show[n] that portion sizes of many such foods increased since the mid-1980s and, consequently, increased in calories† (Nestle par.4). Why they do this is simple, its more profitable. They give out bigger portion to get bigger rewards and â€Å"use larger portions as a way to draw in customers, regardless of the effects of the added calories on body weights† (Nestle par.10). Another issue regarding the food industry is the effect it has on children. With the rise in fast food consumption children are being set up for a life of o besity without even knowing it. â€Å"In 2008, the Federal Trade Commission reported that the food industry spends about $10 billion a year marketing food and beverages in the U.S. that appeal to children† (Toxic Food environment). Fast food industries are purposely targeting children and spending mass amounts of