The relationship between capitalism and America’s arguable unhealthy lifestyles are increasingly problematic for the US. In fact, obesity in the United States approaches near social epidemic proportions. First, discussion exposes obesities related health issues. Next, analysis provides how capitalism introduced and aided American consumption of cheaply priced nutritionally inadequate foods. Third, explanation given explains the cultural implications of obesity. Finally, discussion provides a solution for American obesity. Obesity is a gateway for diseases. To illustrate the epidemic proportion of American obesity, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) stated, “According to the latest statistics from the third National Health
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In Soylent Bad: America’s Toxic Relationship With Food, by Doctor Jean Kim, the authors states, “America may claim world supremacy in abundant ways, but the cuisines has not traditionally been one of them.” (Kim, p.1) American culinary icons are hamburgers, fries, and hot dogs. Dr. Kin further explains that although America’s image is very disappointing to countries such as France, Italy, and Japan, the Great Depression and World War II provided the roadmap for the aforementioned American food icons. Applied to America’s food shortages in the Great Depression, assembly-line production innovations started the acceptance of metallic rectangular dinners, quickly followed by frozen dinners that were eventually microwavable. In short, innovation led to the introduction of fast food chains and “fast food” in America. Fast food chains produced food using easy sugary and fatty consumables for the American family. Capitalism fostered fast food chains that, in turn, allowed Americans an affordable way to feed their family. Consequently, cheap unhealthy foods have become a major factor in the American diet and a reflection of America …show more content…
Americans always want more, and once they get more, are not satisfied. For example, many Americans over-eat, referred to as emotional eating. Meal descriptions include “stuffed and can’t move” instead of “full and not hungry”. Moreover, social meal times include multiples appetizers, entrées, salads, breads dinner, and dessert. As a result, eating habits led to potential lifelong troubles that are health threatening and reflect poorly on America’s global image. Conventional wisdom has it that fast food is cheap, served quickly, and convenient. Unfortunately, it is a problem when it is “quicker and cheaper to drink a soda and buy a burger than to roast organic Brussels sprouts with…” other sensible dishes. The point is obesity is not only a disease but also a learned behavior. The good news is there is a solution. The solution is a healthy lifestyle that includes a diet plan, if required, and vigilance concerning weight
In Soylent Bad: America’s Toxic Relationship With Food, by Doctor Jean Kim, the authors states, “America may claim world supremacy in abundant ways, but the cuisines has not traditionally been one of them.” (Kim, p.1) American culinary icons are hamburgers, fries, and hot dogs. Dr. Kin further explains that although America’s image is very disappointing to countries such as France, Italy, and Japan, the Great Depression and World War II provided the roadmap for the aforementioned American food icons. Applied to America’s food shortages in the Great Depression, assembly-line production innovations started the acceptance of metallic rectangular dinners, quickly followed by frozen dinners that were eventually microwavable. In short, innovation led to the introduction of fast food chains and “fast food” in America. Fast food chains produced food using easy sugary and fatty consumables for the American family. Capitalism fostered fast food chains that, in turn, allowed Americans an affordable way to feed their family. Consequently, cheap unhealthy foods have become a major factor in the American diet and a reflection of America …show more content…
Americans always want more, and once they get more, are not satisfied. For example, many Americans over-eat, referred to as emotional eating. Meal descriptions include “stuffed and can’t move” instead of “full and not hungry”. Moreover, social meal times include multiples appetizers, entrées, salads, breads dinner, and dessert. As a result, eating habits led to potential lifelong troubles that are health threatening and reflect poorly on America’s global image. Conventional wisdom has it that fast food is cheap, served quickly, and convenient. Unfortunately, it is a problem when it is “quicker and cheaper to drink a soda and buy a burger than to roast organic Brussels sprouts with…” other sensible dishes. The point is obesity is not only a disease but also a learned behavior. The good news is there is a solution. The solution is a healthy lifestyle that includes a diet plan, if required, and vigilance concerning weight