Obesity has become a problematic trend in the America since 1980 with more than double the cases of adults affected and cases among adolescents tripling. Statistics further indicate that around 300,000 premature deaths were reported associated with obesity showing the perils of obesity and its deadly effect on the American economy. ("Big Fat Liability Case") As of 2012 the economy has had to deal with the spiraling costs of treating diabetes at a whopping $190 billion dollars annually and its effects on the health care system was catastrophic. The catastrophic cause of obesity in the country was simply as a result of overconsumption of the required calories rations in a day. The role played by food industries was unclear given their aggressive advertising strategies and promotions that had led to more consumption of calories as companies clamored for a larger market share.
Earlier precedents had ruled in favor of fast food companies on their role in the spiraling obesity cases. However with increased consumption over the years and a net spend of $140 billion that parallels the obesity epidemic serious concerns have resurfaced on the role of fast food industries on obesity trends. Failure to warn consumers of the risks of consuming excessive calories coupled with reduced rations of non-calorie items i.e. vegetables and fruits as some of their food products makes such companies partially liable for the growing number of obesity cases.
Food giants McDonalds have introduced new strategies in line with its social responsibility obligations to provide healthier meals indicating that they would reduce marketing for its less nutritional products for children while increasing fruit and vegetable offerings for their adult menus. Additionally, the company intends to change its menu in 20 of its largest markets which account for 85 percent of its annual sales. The changes introduced areas as a result of the company’s objectives of reducing children obesity carried out together with the Clinton Foundation campaign. Health consciousness among consumers has also been one of the primary drivers of recent changes. Heath consciousness has also been improved through the incorporation of technology through an application service that aids consumers to gather information on nutritional information.
Other companies like Unilever have joined foundations that support a better healthy lifestyle namely the Partnership for a Healthy America, which provides support for the removal of more than 1.5 trillion calories from the food supply in line with its objectives of healthy sustainable living(Big Fat Liability Case). Business models have also been used as current change strategies for better health, with such models being employed by small food chain companies like Deli, Panera Bread and Chipotle Mexican Grill that offer healthier foods. Other change strategies used by food companies involve the smart choices food labelling approach that implies the packaging of food products in clearly labelled symbols on designated foods with the fundamental aim of creating uniformity from food companies whereby better nutritional foods are readily identifiable to consumers. Application of the labelling procedure preserves the right of the consumer to knowledge.
Companies have also shown their willingness to participate in food policies that will help increase nutritional living as they are stakeholders in the industry. Report strategies have also been mooted as effective strategies to keep in check the levels of obesity in sample populations. Dialogue with the government to raise awareness and formulation of strategies to improve the rate of obesity cases has been done in conjunction with large food companies. Cross promotion among companies that extensively value healthy living has been used as a strategy amongst food companies through partnerships with companies in other industries that advocate for the use of certain food products based on pre-defined criteria.
In conclusion, food companies have incorporated various strategies to ensure health care is maintained and obesity levels reduced. Increased cases of obesity are as a result unhealthy living that has led to numerous death. Food companies must bear the brunt in ensuring that health standards are maintained and have an active role in reducing the risk of obesity for their consumers. Food companies are continuously introducing new strategies to improve consumer knowledge on healthy living.
Works cited
"Big Fat Liability Case". (2003): n. pag. Print.
