Obesity in America Essay Example

foods has been passed down through generations, and he has followed in his parents' footsteps. The film also acknowledges an increase in gym memberships, but it is concerning that this rise did not lead to a decrease in obesity rates. In fact, as the number of memberships doubled, so did the rates of obesity (Oliver & Taeku 949). This suggests that the problem lies in the type of food consumed rather than the amount of exercise done.

In the film Fed Up, Dr. Robert Lustig discusses how not all calories are the same by comparing almond calories to sugar-rich calories. He emphasizes that the liver rapidly converts excessive sugar into fat, potentially causing obesity if this pattern persists. I have gained a deeper comprehension of the film's message, Fed Up, through the challenges and personal experiences in my own life.

Obese children are reinforced by society, particularly in terms of social acceptance. The film emphasizes the impact of the obesity epidemic on children, who are more vulnerable to consuming sugary foods. This is especially evident in schools where these foods are readily available in school restaurants. Such availability aligns with American society's structure, ultimately contributing to weight gain among children.

Economically, food processing industries strive to maintain their market presence by hiding the sugar content in their products from the public. By doing so, they worsen the negative effects of these foods.

In terms of politics, it is important to acknowledge that the government supports food processing industries. In return, these industries support the government and hinder policy implementation aimed at reducing sugar levels in food.

The ideological differences between consumers and the food processing industries revolve around the issue

of fats and sugars in foods. From my experience, I have found that the main problem lies not in fats, but in sugars that eventually convert to fat over time. Looking at it historically, the American diet is to blame for providing abundant reserves of processed food sugars, calories, sodas, and red meats, all contributing to the increasing levels of obesity in the United States (Oliver ; Taeku 933). Many American households lack sufficient amounts of fiber, vegetables, and fruits. Instead of advocating for policies to eliminate high-calorie foods, it would be more beneficial to educate suffering families on adopting healthier diets. The film showcases numerous families attempting to improve their health and lose weight, with varied levels of success.

Despite their limited success in losing weight, the interviewed teenagers express dissatisfaction with the efforts they have put in, yet continue to engage in unhealthy eating habits, consuming fries and hamburgers at school without considering their obese situations. In my interpretation of the film, I recognize the influence of United States culture on these individuals. Even though obese teenagers and adults continue with their exercise programs, they are still shown consuming sugary foods. The food industry has become adept at enticing customers with readily available, attractively packaged food options, and advertisements are ubiquitous. Such temptations are hard to resist due to the already established culture, making change a challenging undertaking.

According to Oliver ; Taeku (944), the cultural influences in the United States make it difficult to move away from calorie and sugar-rich foods, as there is a desire to maintain traditional American dinner meals. From my personal experiences, I have learned that the film's message is

about how the government collaborates with food processing industries without holding them accountable for hiding sugar ingredients under different names. This undermines efforts to regulate sugar in processed foods. The film's main argument, supported by testimonials from individuals who have struggled with obesity, is that the prevalence of sugar is causing the obesity epidemic in America. It is widely believed that American eating habits should be preserved and criticism towards the food industry should be avoided since they cater adequately to every American's needs.

However, the severity of the epidemic requires a change. It is possible to understand that the food industries responded to public demand by providing food products to those at risk due to their exploitation of ignorance. By accepting American culture's contribution to child obesity, raising public awareness can challenge assumptions about obesity. Critics have documented hidden sugars in processed foods and support the film's revelations about long-concealed truths. While politically motivated food regulations may not be ideal, adopting a healthy diet can be a starting point for eliminating the obesity epidemic.

Work Cited

1. Oliver, J. Eric, and Taeku Lee. "Public opinion and the politics of obesity in America." Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law 30.5 (2005): 923-954.