Junk Food Industry and Obesity

In the U. S. fleshiness rates have come up from 14% in 1978 to 31% in 2000according to WHO/FAO in 2001, degenerative diseases resulting by and large from poor diet conferd to 60% of the 56 million describe d eliminatehs worldwide (Lang & Heasman 200453). Both Canadian and American citizens alike spend grand amounts of their m acey on nutrition and a substantial percentage of that money is played out on low-nutrition foods much(prenominal) as luxuriant foods and processed foods. being the cash cow that it is, the capitalisticic food system has provided the opportunity for corporations to pelf numerous types of cast aside foods ( immediate & processed foods containing high sugar, salt, fat).According to Robert Albrittons (200990) permit Them Eat Junk, he argues that the outlay of junk foods is not the only causal agency of obesity, but it is doubtless a major(ip) causeand obesity is something that we conquer to happen, and while there may be many causes, he would argue that the essential cause is a capitalist food system that we have each(prenominal)owed to font us. This essay will further extend on that argument and check that the growing trend of obesity is caused by the fundamental principle of the capitalist food system, which is to profit from marketing junk foods without considering the health consequences associated with it.Examining why consumers eat junk food in a sociological perspective, the financial incentives associated with selling junk foods in a capitalist perspective, and the health problems/consequences from the consumption of junk foods will be explored. A solution will be provided in attempts to rectify the growing trend of obesity due to junk foods. It is resilient that we excessively look into the health implications as a result of the consumption of junk foods. Most notably, the greatest risk being obesity. Public health is an important factor in todays society.Billions of dollars are spent on health care exclusiv ely over the world. At the corresponding time, about the same amount of money is being put into a system that deters the health of millions of citizens every year (Adams 2005). In the present, the junk food fabrication is becoming a focal point in tilt surrounding its impact on public health. For example, many blame fast food businesses for public health concerns, arguing that fast-food choices and large portion sizes contribute to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and a variety of other diet-related problems (Adams 2005).In 2002, director Morgan Spurlock subjected himself to a diet based only in McDonalds fast food ternion times a day for thirty days and without working out. His clinical was to prove why most of the Americans are so fat, with many cases of obesity (IMDB). He gained about 18 pounds over the course of the experiment, experienced conception swings, loss of sex drive, and nearly catastrophic liver damage. Spurlocks personate fat composition increased by 7 percen t, his cholesterol went up 60 points, and his blood pressure rose from 120/80 to one hundred fifty/100. Shortly after Mr.Spurlocks revelations about his fast-food experiment, the Associated Press reported that McDonalds was phasing out its super size menu options (Hagloch 2005). Super Size Me (name of the documentary) was a great example of how junk food affects the general public and is also an indication that the junk food industry, motivated by profits and shareholder interests, has ignored its responsibilities to the consuming public. It is clear that there is a huge petition for junk foods and that corporations thrive on this demand by creating more than and more junk foods. As a result, there are health consequences such as obesity.Solutions to reduce obesity should be one of the main concerns in todays society, however, to completely rid junk foods entirely acquire not be one of the solutions. The junk food industry plays a significant role in stimulating the North Ameri can economies. Three-quarters of all Americans live within common chord miles of a McDonalds, and two-thirds live within three miles of a KFC, Pizza Hut or Taco Bell fast food restaurant. (Albritton 200998). In addition, supermarkets in North America are one of the most popular destinations for consumers to do most of their shopping. Supermarkets play a major role in the American food regime since that is where 40% of all food is purchased. Supermarkets typically sell a high proportion of highly processed, highly packaged and highly transported foods. In other words, supermarkets are largely purveyors of unsustainable petrofoods and unhealthy processed foods (Albritton 2009120). Given that junk foods are a significant contributor to the North American economies, it would be inexpedient to completely get rid of the production and sales of junk food in order to process the obesity epidemic.Rather, there should be more of an educational solution to shake against obesity. With the high demand for junk foods due to the fast-paced lifestyle in North America and for the availability of these foods provided by corporations that strive to gain profits, it is no surprise that junk food is one of the leading causes of obesity in North America today. As Robert Albritton (200990) pointed out, the primary cause is a capitalist food system that we have allowed to subject us. Although the junk food industry is significantly vital towards the stability of the North American economies, it would be unwise to rid the production and sales of junk foods entirely. Instead, the use of subsidy dollars to come out into nutritional awareness programs and the reduction in portion sizes for fast and processed foods are recommended options to prevent obesity. These steps may not on its testify prevent obesity, however, these are one of many important steps in fighting against the obesity epidemic today and for future generations.