Today, obesity is one of the most concerning health problems among the globe’s population. It is estimated that the obesity rate has tripled since 1975 (WHO, 2020). The latest statistics demonstrate that approximately 2 billion adults are overweight, and “over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight or obese” (WHO, 2020, para. 1). This disorder causes significant discomfort to a person’s health, incurring numerous risks, including the risk of death.
In my view, obesity can be directly related to smoking, alcohol, and drug addiction because it is also a kind of addiction. Eating large amounts of food without self-control is a compulsive behavior based on a psychological disorder (for example, when a person eats to suppress negative emotions). Many Americans consider obesity a result of individual failure since people neglect their health most of the time. It is easier to order a take-out pizza instead of cooking a nutritious dinner at home. Due to the lack of motivation to take care of one’s body, eat healthy food, and perform physical activity, people suffer from being overweight and its health implications. The disdain for sound habits leads to severe consequences for one’s well-being. Moreover, since the modern service industry offers everything from cooking food to walking pets, the globe’s population became lazy, contributing to the development of obesity. Thus, a busy lifestyle is a primary cause of eating disorders.
Undoubtedly, the U.S. government could impose taxes on junk products; yet, fast food is increasingly addictive, and people would not bother to pay an extra dollar. I do not think it would be effective in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Nor do I think the ban on ads promoting junk food consumption can make a nation healthier, especially the young generation. To my mind, the best way to prevent global obesity from spreading is to promote physical exercise, sell more nutritious products, in particular vegetables and fruits, and launch public campaigns aimed at sustaining the nation’s health.
Reference
WHO. (2020). Obesity and overweight. Web.