Despite the recent healthful offerings in fast food restaurants, consumers still tend to ignore the high levels of calories, fats and sugars, and low nutrient foods offered in these restaurants. Many have this knowledge but continue blaming the restaurants for their weight gain and increased insulin resistant levels. Americans are to blame for the increased rates of obesity as most of them have become lazy to cook at home. Additionally, they do not limit the quantities and amounts of food taken from these restaurants. The implication is that fast food restaurants should not be blamed for increased levels of obesity.
Fast foods alone cannot be blamed for increased cases of obesity, but it is also a massive contributor (Schlosser, 2012). A typical fast food meal like a burger, grilled chicken, fries, or soda is extremely high in fats and calories. A report released by the National Institute of Health in 2005 indicated that eating fast foods more than twice a week increases incidences of insulin resistance leading to obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular failures (Lüsted, 2008).
Considering that millions of Americans have become busy in trying to develop the economy, most of them do not have sufficient time to prepare their meals. Fast foods are considered as a fast means to have their ‘bellies full’. Fast food restaurants are obliged to hold responsibility in serving tasty, healthy and nutritious meals. However, most of the owners are business and profit oriented and opts to use cheap recipes, and add lots of spices to these foods so that they become tasty (Heshmat, 2011). They provide unhealthy foods, which their customers regard as healthy, and the results are health challenges. Most customers note the after effects of frequently consuming these meals but tend to be ignorant about it (Schlosser, 2012).
Heshmat (2011) blames entrepreneurs in the fast food industry as players in increasing the health effects of fast foods. He indicates that they offer services that are in excess so as to attract customers. What many consumers do not know, or tend to be ignorant about, is that they offer such services with an intention of increasing their profits. Besides, America is a free enterprise economy meaning any entrepreneur can produce what they want, sell, and also market their products in any way that seems suitable to them. The point is that no one has ever been forced to have their meals in the fast food restaurants. It is their money that they spend on what they want. It is the people who are to blame for what they feed themselves with, and not what the restaurants offer (Heshmat, 2011).
However, it is not the fast food restaurants to blame for their business or increase in weights to their customers. It is a consumer’s choice to have food in restaurants, and also a consumer’s choice on what to have and on what quantities and frequency (Lüsted, 2008). Some people indirectly choose to be obese as they have become lazy to prepare their meals. This is despite the efforts of many entrepreneurs to deliver fresh foods at their door steps.
Conclusively, the role of fast foods in increasing cases of obesity cannot be overruled or underestimated. Indeed, the taste along with convenience and affordability that comes with fast foods has been considered as the primary driver of their success. However, it should be the role of every consumer to watch over his/her diet despite daily schedules. The government should also take part in ensuring that fast foods do not only brand their products, but also sell healthy and nutritious foods to clients.
Reference.
Heshmat, S. (2011). Eating behavior and obesity: Behavioral economics strategies for health professionals. New York: Springer Pub. Co.
Lüsted, M. A. (2008). Obesity & food policing. Edina, Minn: ABDO Pub. Co
Schlosser, E. (2012). Fast food nation: The dark side of the all-American meal. Boston: Mariner Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
