Contributors of Modern Day Obesity

       “Would you like to make that a large value meal?” “Would you like to super size that meal?” “Would you like to make that a Biggie Size?” Sound familiar? These are just a few of the new catch phrases you might hear today when ordering from a fast food joint. The continuous growth of today’s fast food franchises, as well as mass media marketing, are among the liable contributors for obesity in adults and children nationwide. In addition, these franchises are tending to the economics values that cater to low to middle income families instead of emphasizing health value. Ordering at the drive through or seeing an advertisement on television are only a few factors outlining the epidemic of obesity that is rapidly spreading throughout America.

       Although common knowledge and nutrition labels tell us what seems to be healthy, not healthy, high in fat, and so on, there have also been many research studies conducted to try and find causes in obesity today. According to an article by Stanton Peele, obesity can be caused by one of three main reasons; it can be genetic, socioeconomic, or from a life changing circumstance (Peele n.p). The most highly related, according to Peele, comes from a person’s socioeconomic background. This can range from many aspects, including gender, race, income, location, accessibility to healthy foods, etc. Overall, this would seem like a logical explanation, but it does not play a complete role for obesity in the United States.




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       Statistically, the U.S alone has changed dramatically, compared to past decades, in the number of obese individuals nationwide. In a study observed in an article by Art Siemering, the World Health Organization reported the number of obese adults has risen from 200 million to 300 million between 1995 and 2000. Furthermore, the rate of adult obesity is 30% in America when compared on the global scale (“Battling” 51).

       Obesity does not only affect adults. In addition, obesity, specifically in America, is having a tremendous and crucial effect on children and adolescents. In a recent global survey, 17.5 million children under the age of five were overweight (“Battling” 51). When considered on the national level, it does not seem surprising that since the 1960’s there has been a 54% increase of obesity in children six to eleven years of age, as well as a 98% increase in super obesity (Peele n.p)! The study for what is causing such a huge increase in adolescent obesity is sketchy, since many factors can attribute to this disorder. Researchers have found, however, that there is a strong correlation between television viewing and obesity among children. William Diete and Steven Gortmaker, from the New England Medical Center, commented in Peele’s article that “television viewing precedes obesity, even when controlled for confounding variables…” The more children are exposed to visions of fatty high calorie snacks, the more likely they will develop unhealthy eating habits that will carry on throughout their lives.

       In addition to advertisements directed towards children, it is extremely apparent that mass media and marketing are taking a toll on the eating habits of American people in all age groups. “In your face” temptations and flashy marketing, (“Battling” 51), send a message that it’s okay to indulge in highly unhealthy foods. Misleading labels, including products marked “low fat” often make up for it with higher carbs and calories. Signs across the fast food nation advertising “Biggie Size” and “Super Size” encourage consumers to order larger meals they don’t need. The economic value of fast food, like ordering three grease filled cheeseburgers for a cheaper price than one, are overriding the health value that is no longer emphasized today. The list goes on and on, and while executives of the fast food and “junk” food industries are scoring more money, the consumers are scoring more inches to their dress size.


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       In conclusion, it is evident that although the fast food franchises, marketing industries, and media are not the complete cause of obesity among children and adults, they are a major contributor. If cigarette companies are required to put health warnings on their labels, shouldn’t the FDA be required to do so in addition to the nutrition facts? That is something you would need to ask the Surgeon General!