Is Fast Food the new Tobacco?

 After reading, researching and discussing the topics of fast food when it comes to obesity with my group and between my own thoughts, I think fast food is the new tobacco. Obesity is the result of an extremely poor diet and many Americans face obesity, which can lead to worse health issues. Fast food plays a huge role in obesity and just like tobacco it’s everywhere. 

How do so many people gain access to fast food and tobacco if it is known to have as many long lasting Health effects as it does ? In the article “Don’t Blame the Eater” the author says “Then as now, these were the only available options for an American kid to get an affordable meal.” I agree that these fast food meals are the only available option we see everywhere. These fast food restaurants are always being marketed, when we go somewhere, even to a different state or country they are everywhere and they are usually very affordable compared to preparing a home cooked meal. I’ve also read in other articles that some parents spend so much time at work so when it is time to eat, to avoid the hassle and time consuming work of cooking, they eat out to have quality time with the children. A lot of children would rather eat fast food as well. When it comes to tobacco, it is very easily accessible to everyone, especially youth (even though it is illegal under the age of 21), but these laws are not really enforced for kids not to access them, and tobacco, just like fast food is very affordable.

Something that contributes greatly to obesity and tobacco use is the lack of self control. In the Article “What you eat is your business” this quote "We’re becoming less responsible for our own health, and more responsible for everyone else’s." is something I strongly agree with. People worry so much about what other people are eating and what other people’s health looks like but not as worried about what their own health looks like. People can be so judgemental towards others and what they decide to do but will do the same and won’t be able to control themselves. Self control is not evident when it comes to people's health and it is crucial for people to know the real effects fast food and tobacco can have on their bodies. 

People can live however they want to live but I do believe there should be more of an action to stop obesity and cut down on who can use tobacco. Obesity can be stopped very easily if we get rid of these fast food places but I know the government wouldn’t want to do that because that means more money for them. Parents should try to implement more fruits and vegetables into their kids diets because not all fruits and vegetables are super expensive. An Apple is the same price as a cheeseburger at a fast food restaurant. Schools should also try to help out students that need help getting on a healthy diet. Healthy living should be more of a priority than it is right now.