In the past, people in the United States used to eat healthy and used to eat freshly
prepared food and meals with their families. Today, many young people prefer to eat fast
food such as high fat hamburgers, high-carbohydrate French-fries, fried chicken, or pizza
in fast food restaurants; therefore, these same people often suffer from obesity. "Obesity
is defined as a condition in which the natural energy reserve of mammal (such as
humans), which is stored in fat, is expanded far beyond usual levels to the point where it
is believed to pose la health risk." (www.society,guardian.co/publichealth/story).
However, some traditional foods are eaten more often than in the past and many changes
have occurred, causing serious effects on individuals and society. Obesity has become a
major problem in the United States with over sixty percent of Americans being
overweight. Obesity can be divided into three main causes – lifestyle, diet and education.
There are many reasons for the popularity of fast food. One of the main reasons of
obesity is change in lifestyle. Many people in the United States are working long hours,
more shifts or extended school days, and do not exercise regularly. Therefore, the
society's attitude toward food and change in lifestyle leads to the over-consumption of
convenient fast food, causing obesity.
A second cause of obesity is poor diet. A leading nutritionalist, Professor Thomas
Sanders, the Director of the Nutrition, Food and Health Research Center, emphasizes the
need for the balance between activity and the consumption of fast food. Professor
Sanders states, "In trials, there is no evidence suggesting the reducing fat intake has an
effect on obesity. As long as your expenditure equals what you eat, you will not put on
weight, regardless of how high the fat con
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