500 Words on Responsibility in The Fast Food Industry

In "Don't Blame the Eater," David Zinczenko says fast food companies are a big reason why so many people in America are getting obese. He thinks kids and teens are getting fatter because there aren't many cheap and easy food options besides fast food. Zinczenko knows people should take care of their health, but he also thinks these companies should offer healthier choices.

Zinczenko starts by talking about his life in the '80s. Back then, fast food was starting to get big. He ate a lot of it because it was cheap and everywhere. Because of this, he got fat and had health problems. He thinks many kids in America are going through the same thing now 'cause there are so many fast food places.

He throws in some numbers to back up what he's saying. For example, from 1977 to 1995, the number of fast-food joints in the U.S. jumped from 30,000 to 140,000. That's a huge increase. He also says the average teen eats 12 to 15 times a week at a fast food place. And get this study from the surgeon general found that by 1999, 61% of American adults were overweight or obese, up from 47% in 1976.

Although Zinczenko knows people should look after their health, he argues it's tough because of the fast food industry. Many of these places don't give enough information about what's in their food. And even if they do, it's often hard to understand. Plus, many folks don't have access to healthy grocery stores or places to exercise.

So, Zinczenko thinks fast food companies should step up and offer better food choices. He points out that some places, like Subway, have started doing this, but many still need to. He also thinks these companies should be required to give more info about their food's nutritional content and make it easier for people to understand.

Zinczenko's argument is pretty convincing, but it could be better if he talked about the other side. It's not up to the companies to provide healthy options; it's up to people to make good choices. Others might say fast food isn't the only reason for the obesity problem. Things like genetics and lack of exercise matter, too.

Even with these counterarguments, Zinczenko's points are strong. He brings up a big issue in America and gives a good look at why it's happening and what could help fix it. People need to make healthy choices, but companies must also offer better options and info. By working together, people and companies can help fight the obesity problem and make America healthier.

Zinczenko emphasizes that while individual responsibility is important, the fast food industry plays a significant role in the obesity crisis. He suggests that these companies must take accountability by providing more nutritious options and clearer nutritional information. By making healthier food more accessible and transparent, consumers and corporations can work towards a solution, fostering a healthier society overall.