Regulating Junk Food Research Paper

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Pages: 5

Regulating Junk Food For many years, obesity has been seen as a problem in the United States. Over the years, efforts have been made to address this problem but it has only become more palpable in our society. In today’s world a surfeit of sugary drinks and synthetic, junky foods are available to the American population. Government regulations will make it easier for people to choose better food items, lessening obesity in current and future populations. The articles "Sugary Drinks over 16-Ounces Banned in New York City, Board of Health Votes" by Ryan Jaslow, "Food Politics" by the San Francisco Chronicle, and "Should the Government Regulate What We Eat?" by Bert Glass provide a multitudinous amount of reasons as to why this ban should be …show more content…
The race for the ban with the purpose of lessening obesity has begun, but are Americans ready to run it? Professionals in the medical field applauded this ban on sugary drinks over 16-ounces, which shows the issue is of importance. Dr. Steven Safyer, President and CEO of Montefiore Medical Center said, “This policy is a great step in the battle to turn this health crisis around” (Source 1). More than fifty percent of adults today and about twenty percent of children between ages five and six are overweight or obese. Bargain prices and compelling advertisements can be said to augment one’s desires to overeat. This simple statement is the staple of why many steps are being taken to enforce this ban. Seeing that many struggle with obesity, putting them at an even higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, the government is trying to take the appropriate measures to provide help for its citizens. This can be likened to a liege or a lord who sacrifices to protect his king, in this case the government employing its many faculties to protect its citizens, who are of its highest concern. Education also plays an important role in