Is Fast Food the New Tobacco? Should the obesity issue be government regulated or remain personal responsibility?

 Fast food has been contributing to America’s obesity crisis for decades. The marketing that targets children and entices them with tactics like toys, cartoons, and food they love greatly contributes to the health crisis. However the question lingers: who to blame?

Is Fast Food the New Tobacco?

Tobacco is a highly addictive substance that was actively promoted by doctors and public figures. Once studies found the harm that was perpetuated by tobacco the world flipped. All of these once positive ads turned to stop the public from smoking. These efforts are still strong in today’s society, but the statistics of those addicted to tobacco and smoking are still high. Once someone starts a bad habit it is hard to stop.

This is similar to the fast food addiction found in society, but fast food was never promoted as healthy. However, it was promoted as easy and accessible. Fast food contains addictive sugars and fats that make customers continue wanting more. 

This leads us to choosing blame; is it our personal fault that fast food is cheap and accessible for many to consume constantly? Is it the government's responsibility to regulate this and fix this issue?

Should the obesity issue be government regulated or remain personal responsibility?

I believe that the capitalist mindset of our government did help this situation come about, but I do believe it is one’s personal responsibility to choose to change. 

As seen with smoking, no matter the information shared or restrictions, people still do it and plan to not stop anytime soon. It is easier said than done.

In food deserts, families’ access to food may only be a McDonald's. If the government wanted to end the obesity crisis they could help. I believe it is a team effort. To buy healthy groceries is a luxury, but with the money spent on eating out it could be financially feasable. The other problem is for parents who aren’t able to cook for their family, being able to pick up takeout on the way home is their way of providing. 

 a proposed solution 

I believe if the government regulated what went into fast food, the chemicals and added oils, then the people who have to eat fast food would still be having nutritious foods. Something society can do is try to make healthy choices as it is their life, but also understand that fast food may be some people’s only options. Being empathetic but also not allowing excuses.