Childhood Obesity Essay

Response Essay Childhood Obesity Whose fault is it that kids are becoming obese? In his essay "Don't Blame the Eater" David
Zinczenko analyzes the recent lawsuits brought against fastfood chains, comparing them with, "
"middle aged man suing Porsche for making them get speeding tickets"(391). Although he does not deny there should be a "personal responsibility"(391) he tends to sympathize more with the young consumers because as a child he also dealt with childhood obesity. I personally have mixed feelings on Zynczenko's claims, while I agree with the damaging impact fast food can have on people in general, I do not agree that is justification for people to sue these companies. The companies should not be held accountable for our lack of personal responsibility. David Zinczenko is the editorinchief of Men's Heath magazine. In "Don't Blame the
Eater" Zinczenko argues if children should or should not have the right to sue fast food companies for making them obese. He explains and sympathize with the children because he grew up without parental supervision, eventually became obese because his meals were his own choice. Later on in life he learned how to maintain a healthy lifestyle but he insists that most of teenagers are not able to do the same, so the problem of obesity should not only be on the shoulders of children but the responsibility of everyone. Zinczenko provides statistics on childhood obesity related diabetes, and the cost to treat it. He argues that consumers choose fast food over healthy foods because of the convenience and the reduced prices.Zinczenko also claims that fast food ads should have warning labels just like tobacco ads do.

Zinczenko then points out that nutrition labels are not usually provided in the fast food restaurants, however when they are provided they are difficult to understand. Overall Zinczenko is urging for changes in the fast food industry because of his belief that obesity, and diabetes are both related to the fast food industry. I strongly agree with Zinczenko's point of view because it's hard to control kids eating habits when they don't have enough sense to understand the destructive effect that foods can have on their bodies. Zinczenko argues that kids choose fast foods over healthy choices because of the low cost and accessibility. I have to agree with his opinion again because it's so expensive to eat healthy.
Organic choices are hard to find or too expensive, but fast foods are everywhere and the majority of them even have a value menu where most of the items are $1.00/piece. Zinczenko asserts that the fast food industries mislead their consumers by not providing proper nutrition facts. I agree once again with Zinczenko because as a former McDonald's employee I can confirm that not even the employees knew the nutrition facts or the ingredients of the products they served. The author discusses

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