Dr. William Osler once said, “We are all dietetic sinners; only a small percent of what we eat nourishes us; the balance goes to waste and loss of energy.” (Osler, as cited by Bryan, 1997). Nowadays fast food and junk food consumption has become increasingly popular because it is quicker, more convenient, and generally cheaper than purchasing healthy foods. However, the more we eat, the more it is taking a toll on our health nationwide. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (2010), an unhealthy diet contributes to approximately 678,000 deaths each year in the United States alone. Today I would like to talk about the contents of the food that we consume, the health issues that result from their consumption, and discuss …show more content…
However, this does not mean that they are entirely safe. Some food and color additives have been proven to induce allergic reactions, cause cancer, asthma, and birth defects even after they were approved for food use (Foundation, G. C.). For example, monosodium glutamate commonly referred to as MSG, is most often found in Chinese food. MSG can cause headaches, nausea, drowsiness, rapid heart rate, and chest pains (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 1995). Nitrites are another kind of food additive found in cured meats like hot dogs, bacon, and sausages. In 2006 a study found that people who regularly consume cured meats had a 71 percent greater chance of contracting lung disease than someone who does not (Daniells, S. 2006). Some food additives have been proven to cause cancer. These include artificial sweeteners like cyclamate, color additives like Violet No. 1, flavoring like Safrole used in root beer, and preservatives like BHA. These are just a few of the food additives that we consume regularly. Just imagine how many more are out there that can harm us. Unhealthy eating habits can also lead to life-threatening disease. The typical American diet is high in calories, fats, sodium, and sugar which contribute to some of the leading causes of death. Obesity in particular is a condition that can result from a poor diet and exercise. It is defined as an unhealthy amount of fat in the body which can be determined by the body
America is known as the fattest country in the world. Is fast food the culprit? According to the article, "F as in Fat 2005," America's obesity rate in 2005 was a whopping 60%. Many people believe that this is due to the increasing popularity in fast food. It is much easier to go through a drive through and pick up a meal than making the food yourself. When eating out, people are more likely to eat more than when they cook. Meals at fast food and restaurants have become popular, in America the size of each meal is significantly bigger than any other country. According to Christina Sarlch, author of “Guess How Many Calories Are In A Typical Fast Food Meal” the amount of calories in a fast food meal is a gouging 1100 calories with a drink .The average number of calories needed for a person is 2000-2500 calories . Split between 3 meals that averages out to 666.67-833.33 calories a meal. Of course not many people follow that suggested calorie intake.
Fast food has a harmful effect on society because it can cause obesity. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry believes obesity “Overweight children are much more likely to become overweight adults unless they adopt and maintain healthier patterns of eating and exercise.” (parag. 1).The causing and treating of obesity is complex but it is the most recognizable disease. Consistently eating fast food and a poor can lead to obesity in anyone. The risks of obesity include an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, fast food “Studies have shown that over the past four decades, consumption of food eaten away from home has also risen alarmingly” (parag. 8). This means that fast food is high in fat, sugar, salt, carbs, calories, saturated and trans fats. This type of eating leads to a higher body mass index or gained weight. Children and adolescents are at a
Everywhere you look there is a rising concern for health from these added ingredients. Let’s take a look at tomatoes, Fresh tomatoes are considered to be very good for you and aid to help prevent cancer, the canned ones not so much. Canned processed foods are a concern because of the material the can is made of. The lining of almost all canned foods contain a chemical called BPA. Studies show that BPA affects the way genes work inside the brain. Tomatoes are exceptionally dangerous due to the high acidic level. The acid reacts to the BPA making the chemical transfer into the tomatoes instead of staying in the lining of the can. This is just one example and one type of processed canned foods, there are thousands more. America is the most over fed, under nourished country
“Although many health authorities insist that there is no such thing as junk food, consumers find it a useful term for distinguishing nourishing food from products whose chief appeal is fun, convenience, and addictive taste; ‘bet you can't eat just one’ ”(Junk Food). Americans are spending about $4.6 billion a year on potato chips, and 23.5 billion a year on candy and gum. 46 Percent of adult Americans eat out on a typical day, and one third of them choose fast food. That is because the fast food industry has slowly become one of the symbols of American culture and is spreading to other cultures as well: McDonalds has 26,000 locations in 119 countries, Pizza Hut has more than 10,000 in 86 countries, and Subway has 14,500 in 75 countries. Commercials, signs, and huge advertisements are pushing junk food at us every day; people cannot even go to the grocery store without candy bars being lined up right by the checkout. The junk food industry realizes how appealing it can be. When a person is in a rush, they can easily eat a large meal without having to make a lot of decisions, work, dress up, or get out of their car. The speed and convenience fit Americans’ pressured lifestyles. It does not fit, however, to our health and wellness. A fast food meal, such as a Burger King Double Whopper with cheese, contains 965 calories, more than double the amount of fat, and as much as 750 grams too much sodium
One of the most unhealthy diets in the world is that of an American. It is made up of processed foods and a good amount of television. America easily has the most fast food restaurants in the entire world. Leave it to McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King or any other fast-food restaurant to serve extremely cheap and even unhealthier food at any time during the day or night. ”It tastes good so why not?” That seems to be the question many people are asking now-a-days. Because it is so easily accessible and processed, it is made to be very tasty and extremely unhealthy. Many Americans find his or herself indulging on the these fatty foods of America on a day-to-day basis. While it may taste good at the time, it has a terrible effect on your body
Understanding the effects of poor and efficient eating habits and how to manage your health is crucial to the existence of a healthy population in the America. To understand these approaches, one has to understand some of the poor eating habits witnessed on most people in the United States. Paula (2015) states that only ten percent of the entire American population follow a daily diet consistent with the federal nutrient recommendations. Other than following the required nutrition, most people prefer meals rich in trans-fats, salt, saturated fat, and sugar and ignore fruits, vegetables, and fiber. The increased preference of poor nutrition contributes a total of four out of six in
Throughout the years in the United States, fast food has become the prominent diet of citizens. Many people do not realize the harmful effects of eating fast food on a daily basis. Many people in the United States are use to consuming foods that are processed with sugars and other chemicals, without being aware of eating a unhealthy diet can increase the risks of being obese ;as well as, having numerous health issues. Although people try their best to eat healthy and more productive they do not know what foods to eat or whether if it is healthy for them. In the articles “Don’t Blame the Eater by David Zincekino and “Escape from the Western Diet” by Michael Pollan. There were a number of similarities and differences in the details highlighted in these two articles.
The average American does not get enough exercise or eat the proper amount of nutrients that the body needs. These days most people eat unhealthy, processed, and sodium-filled foods that, according to the Daily Mail, are shortening American citizens’ life spans with every new generation (“Being Overweight at 40…”). Because America looks at fast food as an easy and quick option, people eat excessive amounts of this unhealthy food. Because of this, Americans
The nutritional value in food from fast-food places like McDonalds has become a problem for many Americans. Obesity in America is at an all-time high and a change is necessary. Should companies stray away from unhealthy options or should humans be responsible for controlling their unhealthy urges? These two questions tie in with the main debate; "Where does personal responsibility end and corporate responsibility begin?" Chuck Klosterman, from the essay "McDiculous" and David Zinczenko, from the article "Don't Blame the Eater," both share their point of view on the issue.
If one continually eats unhealthy foods, they can quickly become overweight. Moreover, this has become such a recurring problem in America that according to the National Institutes of Health, compulsive eating has led to obesity for approximately 35.7% of Americans. This number represents over one-third of the entire U.S population and will continue to grow unless it is addressed. In addition, it is critical that Americans learn to moderate their junk food intake to prevent the contraction of serious health issues. Sweenie states that, “Food high in salt, sugar, fat or calories and low nutrient content...provide suboptimal nutrition with excessive fat, sugar, or sodium per kcal. Such poor diets can slow growth, promote obesity; sow the seeds of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cardiac problems, and osteoporosis.” These are exceptionally serious diseases that can often result in a severely hindered lifestyle or even death. In order to avoid these exceptionally undesirable outcomes, one must always remain aware of their daily junk food consumption. In Kirkey’s article, Paul Kenny, an associate professor at the Scripps Research Institute in Florida, states that, "It's incumbent upon people to make sure that they're more respectful and aware of what they're eating. Just be aware that there are dangers and risks associated. Enjoy (high-fat) food, but make sure it's occasionally and
The fast food industry provides quick, cheap, and easy access to foods that in the customers opinion, is very delicious, and affordable, however this food which millions of people around the world are constantly consuming, could actually cause major health problems, and weight gain in the long run. Major fast food companies throughout the world know what they are doing when it comes to marketing towards all types of people. Some people will find numerous different things to blame for the epidemic of fast food making individuals overweight. In recent research on, or discussions of the fast food industry having an effect on people's health, a controversial issue has been raised, and that is the fact that this problem affects not only
The world economy has become fast-paced, and this has forced people to transform their lifestyle in order to adapt to the changing pace. Family structures have evolved drastically with modern mothers having outside careers rather than being housewives. Granted such mothers get out of work worn out with little strength to prepare a proper meal for the family. They often opt for an easier way of preparing a meal for their families. This is the foundation for the thriving of the fast food industry. A number of nations have been transformed to fast food nation with American society being on the lead followed by Britain. American hosts the largest fast food industry in the world with outlets in over 200 foreign nations. With conveniences around
A rise in obesity has been observed in the United States in the last two decades. Obesity is one problem that gives birth to numerous fatal diseases, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a survey and found that, “More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese” (Ogden, Carroll). One of the main reasons behind obesity is the American’s love for fast food. Fast food contains only a small proportion of essential nutrients, and is loaded with unhealthy and non-essential nutrients which do nothing but
All across the world, people are eating themselves alive by feeding their bodies disgusting fast foods. According to youngwomenshealth.org, processed fast foods are filled with artificial sweeteners, added fats, and other harmful chemicals (Center). These synthetic additives can cause serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity. Many individuals would rather eat something that could potentially be toxic to their health instead of eating something that is nutritious. People have to stop consuming fast foods because of the artificial ingredients that are added, the negative effects on a persons health, and the availability to healthier food options.
The population of America is becoming more aware of the importance of good nutrition. Ironically the people are becoming increasingly less healthy. In the 1960's the nation ate healthier but knew less about nutrition. The foods that the teenagers consume today contributes to the increasing weight and decreasing health of the nation. Many outside factors determine the eating habits of teenagers today.