“The greatest wealth is health” (Unknown). In our world today, almost every person has heard of obesity. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines obesity as “a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body.” The percentage of Americans who are considered overweight or obese is at an all-time high. With this health crisis, people are searching for solutions. Many look to the government to intervene and prevent this rapidly increasing condition; however, the true solution to ending obesity lies with the individual. The primary reason that ending obesity is a person’s responsibility rather than the government’s is that obesity is a lifestyle. While genetics tend to play a role in a person’s body weight and structure, personal habits are more often the core causes of obesity or overweightness. Lack of knowledge and practice of healthy eating, a propensity to purchase high fat foods with low costs, inability to access healthy food suppliers, inactivity, insufficient sleep, and parental feeding practices are all factors that may lead to obesity (Berk 417-418). Lack of proper diet and exercise are the two leading contributors of obesity. The decisions to …show more content…
“The most recent data available from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that 17% of children aged 6–11 years were obese. The corresponding figure for children aged 12–19 years was 17.6%. Current figures represent a nearly 300% increase in childhood obesity since 1979” (Hawkins & Linvill 1). Many parents argue that the government should regulate the food children receive at school; however, the eating habits of children should be the concern of the parents. Simply having the school cafeteria stocked with fruits and vegetables will not encourage children to make healthy choices. Healthy eating habits should be established at