The Modern Plague: Obesity

2656 Words11 Pages
The Modern Plague: Obesity With one of the highest obesity rates in the world, many Americans are affected by this disease, however, they continue to make poor choices in regards to their health. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that over 65% of U.S. adults were overweight, 32% were obese, and about 5% were extremely obese (Marchiondo). Considering that more than half of our population is at risk for obesity, Americans do not seem very distraught. Even with all the dieting techniques, negative depictions in the media towards heavier individuals, advanced technology to help combat obesity, and being one of the world’s most developed nations in terms of resources…show more content…
This not only leads to higher obesity rates in these areas, but also indirectly increases segregation between racial…show more content…
With more healthier food options and an increased opportunity for physical activity in white neighborhoods, the minority populations are at a much greater risk for obesity. “According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the non-Hispanic Black and Mexican-American population are more likely to be obese than the non- Hispanic White population”(Marchiondo). This gap is also contributed by the “food stamp cycle, in which over- eating by food-insecure families when food is plentiful, i.e., when food stamps or money for food is available, followed by a short period of involuntary food restriction, followed by overeating, could be a pattern that results in gradual weight gain over time” (Marchiondo). Adding to the already racially segregated society, the weight gap between whites and other races only adds to racial stereotypes. The government can help curb this issue by implementing programs to eliminate food deserts in low-income areas. The elimination of these food deserts and the addition of healthy supermarkets in these areas can increase the potential of eating healthy, whereas without supermarkets there is no other option besides junk food. Also the government can start to exclude certain unhealthy, high calorie foods and only allow healthier foods to be bought under programs like food stamps. Also the government can provide

More about The Modern Plague: Obesity

Open Document