Causes Of Obesity In America

Obesity has gained a lot of attention in the recent years especially in the 21st century. Right now in America, there is an ongoing epidemic. The cause is not by viruses or bacteria, but by human nature. There is no one way to solve this serious problem. With growing body sizes and serious medical problems associated with obesity, it is a problem that needs to be addressed and changed. A good way to maintain a healthy weight includes; not smoking, drinking in moderation; a healthy diet and proper exercise. Taking these actions will result in a more relaxed, happy and healthy self. Obesity in America has reached epidemic proportions, although diet and exercise is important in weight management it is not the only cause to obesity. Obesity

Media promotes all forms of obesity. In If You Pitch It, They Will Eat, a New York Times article written by David Barboza, Susan Linn, a psychologist who studies children’s marketing at Harvard’s Judge Baker Children’s Center states, “It used to just be Saturday-morning television. Now it’s Nickelodeon, movies, video games, the Internet, and even marketing in schools”(5). Essentially, Linn is saying that their has been an increase in food marketing because of how advance technology has gotten which has lead to the increase of weight in children and many americans. David Barboza, in If You Pitch It, They Will Eat, explains how marketers use television by stating, “Marketers know that children love animals and cartoon characters, and industry observers say they have used that knowledge not just to create new shows but to produce a new generation of animated pitchmen”(29). This statement is so true because when my little brother sees toys or junk food on television he immediately begs my parents to buy either one for him. The majority of commercials during programs aimed at children are for unhealthy high-fat, high sugars or high-salt foods with little nutritional value. Not all parents are aware of how their children are exposed to marketing campaigns that influence their children. Some top food choices for kids attack kids by their appealing commercials. The commercials use bright colors, a funny icon cartoon character, older kids, and catchy phrases. Also, the TV is sought to be a key to kids and their weight, it brainwashes the kids into thinking the bad food is the good food. Basically these types of commercials are a main source for the company’s money. Parents will do almost everything for their kids but sometimes the parents just give them food to stop bothering