Obesity+Benchmark

Are fast food companies going too far with unhealthy food? Are they to blame for the high obesity rate in the US? In this synthesis essay, we will see if the fast food companies are truly to blame.

Some people believe that the fast food companies are going to far with unhealthy foods. High calorie foods, large portions, marketing to children, these are all the concerns of the people in America, and around the world. The fast food industry has many ways of advertising to children. The main way is through television. Many children watch children shows on Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, etc. So fast food companies sign contracts with these cartoon characters to advertise their fast food, toys, etc. And for parents that aren't home often, they will buy their children these things to make up for being gone. "You've got 70% of moms who are working, so when they're home they try to please their kids." (David Barbosa article) People say fast food companies should put calorie charts on the menus at the fast food restaurants. People say that fast food industries are completely to blame for obesity around the world, but that's not entirely true.

People are responsible for what they put in their mouths. Sure the fast food industries should make some changes to their food and the way they sell it, but people need to have the common sense to know fast food isn't good for you. "I don't think they should be singled out, Mom blames everyone but herself." (David Barbosa article) Parents are responsible for teaching their kids about healthy eating; not the schools, not the food companies, the parents. Children take after their parents in many ways, including their food choices. If a parent eats fruits and vegetables the child is often influenced enough to eat them as well. But parents often think they have no responsibility because food companies send messages to kids AND parents that obesity is somebody else's fault. But it isn't; it's the parents who let their kids eat unhealthy foods and be lazy for hours at a time. So before we talk about banning fast food, let's talk more about personal responsibility.

Personally, I am with both sides. Fast food industries could lower calories on foods, but people could also make healthier choices for themselves(and their children). I think that parents are the leading cause of obesity in the USA because they let their children overeat, and let them eat fast food on a regular basis. If parents were to limit the fast food intake in their household, then maybe there would be a lower obesity rate around the world.

So are fast food companies to blame for obesity in the USA? Have they gone too far with fast food? From what was discussed here, I would say it is the fault of the parents, AND the food industry.