Is the United States really looking out for its citizens the way a country should? I personally do not believe so because of what the government allows the media to publicize to our society. Especially since it is directly affecting their health. We are constantly exposed to television commercials, billboards, advertisements in magazines or newspapers that encourage us to consume fast food on a daily basis when we all know it is not good for our body. In my opinion, the media is one of the main reasons for people’s health issues.
The United States happens to have a high percentage of obese people and it is no secret that fast food plays a big role in that. People consume it and do not perform any kind of physical activity, which causes them to add on weight to their body. Due to a great amount of advertisement, fast food restaurants continue to expand throughout the country. Making it very accessible and quick for people to reach and consume. In my case, for example, I have at least five fast food restaurants just around the corner of my home. It is very tempting and not everyone cans restrain themselves from going and purchasing this kind of food. I have to admit I do visit these places quite often, but maybe I would not if they were not so close to me.
If food is going to be advertised like that then people should be able to have options for what comes next. Some people like to “treat” themselves to this food and later go exercise to burn the excessive amount of calories. However not everyone can afford to pay to go to a gym or they just decide not to because they rather go somewhere public like a park. The thing is you do not find a park as easy as you find these places to eat. If chain restaurants continue to be built then constructing parks should be on the list too. Some people decide to take care of their body while others do not. Those who decide to just eat fast food will eventually see the consequences in their health. When that time comes they will most likely want to see the doctor, but unfortunately not all can afford that luxury. Medical assistance is quite expensive so some decide not to go. If the government is aware of what situation these advertisements put people in they should do something. They should give their citizens options for them to stay in a good health condition.
These advertisements target everyone but low income families happen to be the most affected. That happens to be because healthy nutritious food costs more than any food with a lot more calories. When people do not have much money to spare it is obvious what choice they make. Whatever is less pricey is the answer for many. I can relate a little with personal experience. My family is sometimes on a budget when it comes to choosing meals. However, I am fortunate in my situation because other have it worse. Some people do not have much choice on what to eat but fast food is never the best option.
The taste of food also has a great effect on us. Healthy food does not taste as great as fast food does. Even if it is cheaper people want it even more because they like it. It becomes an addiction, or a constant craving in a way for us and it is hard to resist. I think if healthier thing were exposed to us like other things we would want them as well. The way things are put out there play a big part on the decisions we choose to make, so why not help us make better choices rather than unhealthy ones.
In our society our options are becoming limited. Chain restaurants are slowly taking place of grocery stores. More unhealthy food is available while nutritious food becomes more difficult to access. You do not see as many grocery stores as other places. They are not just around the corner and that is what is affecting many people. Even when there are grocery stores not everything is fresh. Maybe the grocery stores are even low on supply.
Food advertising has become a major issue here in the United States. However, it is a subject that many do not ponder much on. The effects fast food has on our people continue to get worse. It is up to us to hold ourselves back and make better food choices . We should not let food advertisements convince us to put all those bad calories into our body. Rather than caring for its people I believe our country is making things more difficult for us Americans. Our lives are being impacted more than we probably imagine.
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