Fast Food Fault?

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Fast Food Fault? Michael Melendez Excelsior College Obesity has become the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. It has become such a problem that the American Medical Association (AMA) now recognizes obesity as a disease (Carey, 2013). The fast food industry is seen by many as the leading cause to the rise of obesity in America. Companies, such as McDonalds, have responded by incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the way they do business. However, what about personal responsibility? Should we rely on the government to tell us what to eat? By applying ethical theory, this paper will attempt to look at both sides of the argument. Situational Analysis Health care costs in the United States are rising at an alarming rate. The reason behind this is because obesity contributes to other types of disease such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes (Fortunato, 2011, p. 21). Medical costs related to obesity range anywhere from $147 billion to $210 billion (Trust for America's Health, 2012). Obesity has become a major epidemic in the United States. By the year 2030, estimates of lost economic productivity are as high as $580 billion per year (Trust for America's Health, 2012). With so much at stake for our economic future, politicians have taken the fight against obesity to the fast food industry. McDonald’s has received the most criticism because they are the biggest corporation in the fast food industry. They have also faced legal battles over lawsuits filed against them. Stakeholder Analysis The biggest concern, in the battle against obesity, is our children and future generations. The Surgeon General states that one in three children is considered overweight or obese in the United States. Children are key stakeholders in this situation because they are the future of this nation. Other key
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