How many people have to die from the epidemic of obesity related diseases before American’s realize it’s time to make a change? Many are aware of diseases such as the Black Plague or Ebola but haven’t realized that the current most deadly illness that's sweeping the nation is obesity. From fast food restaurants to dinner plates, humans have expanded their portion sizes as well as their stomachs. Although obesity is the main cause of conditions such as heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and even some types of cancer, people showing no signs of obesity to the naked eye and are also being diagnosed due to poor eating habits. Americans ages 18-26 may not see the detrimental impacts obesity related conditions have on their lives, but it is much more than being unhealthy. Habits formed at this age, carry into the next generation of parents as well as help shape the lives of developing adolescents. There are many culprits of this issue, personal responsibility being the main …show more content…
Mark Bittman, author of Bad Food? Tax it and, Subsidize Vegetables, states, “Rather than subsidizing the production of unhealthful foods, we should turn the tables and tax things like soda, French fries, doughnuts and hyperprocessed snacks”(5). This is a possible and appropriate solution but in reality a ten cent tax will not stop consumers from buying the unhealthy food. There are other solutions such as, requiring fast food to have nutrition labels, but it is a temporary fix. The only realistic solution is to spread awareness. Bringing awareness to the possible ailments of poor eating choices may just be what motivates Americans to change. It is difficult to implement change without seeing the detrimental impact of one's actions. Therefore knowledge is power, and in this situation it is key, key to living a long healthy life regardless of outward