THE BIG FAT TRUTH

[amandaebner]

Don't ask me why, but I spent a good amount of the day today watching obesity shows. Not like "reality" obesity shows, like medical obesity shows - "Half-Ton Dad" and "Inside Brookhaven Obesity Clinic," to be exact

Comments

[ikozy25]

Not sure I agree with the fact that poorer people eat more fast food. Fast food actually gets pretty expensive pretty quick, the last time I was in McDondalds and ordered a quick lunch I spent nearly $8 for my meal. By that math I would spend about $24 per day. I think that the reason fast food is adding to the weight problem in America is because of the convienience. Who wants to work all day come home and slave over a hot stove to make a meal anymore when we can pick up a bucket of chicken and some mashed potatoes from KFC? Dinner problem solved!! It tastes good, makes your mouth water when you drive by and smell the goodness boiling in oil, and it is easy, what is not to like?
I think that America has grown into a fast paced world and there are a lot of people out there who want one less thing to worry about. The prepackaged meals and fast food provide that for you, from Ramen Noodles which takes 1 minute and 30 seconds to make in the Microwave to pulling into a drive thru where you don't even have to walk to get food. America has become a nation of "I want right now" as opposed to making the choice to work for something. Granted this does not apply to everyone and everything but I feel that just walking into the grocery store should illistrate my point as there are more prepackaged options to buy even there then raw foods to make your own meal.

[amandaebner]

Indeed, and the marketing makes it even worse - commercials that tout KFC as a "great family meal!" or suggest ordering a pizza "to make the whole family happy!" are also to blame. They give off the impression that you must order quick, unhealthy food to "please" your family, rather than making them wait for home-cooked meals that may actually be healthy and/or reasonably portioned.

Seriously though - there are more fast food restaurants AND advertisements. per square mile in poor areas (http://www.healthcentral.com/cholesterol/risks-60975-116.html - although this is URBAN poor areas, not rural poor) - not to say that people can't make their own choices, but it's harder when you are bombarded with the "goodness boiling in oil" (LMAO, love it) all around you...