Fast food, Obesity and How it affects our generation

Article written and website edited by Misaki Tomiyama

Obesity is one of the major problems, and a big concern for the younger generation nowadays. Being overweight can cause serious health impacts, resulting in cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol etc. But why are children overweight anyway, and how does fast food link to this issue?

The major reason children are overweight is because of their lifestyle issues. Firstly, the common similarities found in overweight children, is that they eat a lot of food such as fast foods, fizzy drinks, unhealthy food etc. They consume a lot more than their bodies require, furthermore, they do little or no physical activities. The food they eat will be stored by the body as fat. Without physical activities, body fat will not be burnt, and as a result, children become overweight.

According to statistics, at least one in three children in America are overweight. Researchers believe that this is the result of increasing fast food production in America. The number of overweight children increased a lot during the 1980s, which is also when there was a high rise in the number of fast-food restaurants and new marketing techniques such as an advertisement for fast food. A lot of children nowadays eat outside, in fast food restaurants rather than eating food from home. Fast foods are high in calorie, fat, sugar and salt, and most fast foods in America are large portions. When the consumption of fast food by children increases, there’s a high-calorie intake which leads to weight gain. Obesity in children has tripled since 1975 and more than 340 children and teenagers were obese or overweight in 2016.

Being overweight means more medical care, and being overweight at a young age can severely impact a child’s health and financial aspect when they grow up. Actions like limiting the fast food they eat, exercising a bit more can prevent a child from becoming overweight. Going to a doctor for professional advice can also be another.