Obesity in America is a growing problem. Every year doctors report higher average BMI indexes proving that Americans are putting themselves at a much greater risk for obesity risk factors, such as heart disease, diabetes, and many more. While Americans are cognoscente of the problem, little has been done to find a solution.
One alternative legislative proposal encourages a tax on items considered junk food. This tax in theory would raise the prices of these items making Americans less likely to buy them. However I personally disagree with this proposal because it is very difficult to define what exactly junk food is. There are obvious choices such as sugary beverages and high fat snacks. But studies show that eating too much of any food item can ultimately lead to obesity.
Should carbohydrates, like breads and pastas, be considered a junk food since eating too much of them can lead to weight gain and carbohydrates are metabolized as sugars? I feel that there is just too much grey area in this proposal with no evidence to support that this will discourage Americans from making unhealthy food choices. Personally I feel that time would be better spent further educating the public and offering healthy food options in places such as schools and restaurants.
For my research proposal I would like to further explore healthy food options by looking at the legitimacy of organic foods in relation to better health. I shall look at studies from medical professionals to determine if eating organically grown food can lessen the chance of obesity risk factors. I will also look at the FDA guidelines for organic foods are sufficient enough to insure that customers are not suckered by false claims. I feel that by looking at medical research I can determine that organic foods are indeed a better option for consumers that traditional growing methods.
