What "They" Are Saying About Obesity

Obesity in America is a issue that has recently inclined over the years. The reasons to why this has happened vary and everyone has a different view, so what is being said? A big reason for child obesity according to Alabama Cooperative Extension Nutritionist Dr. Robert Keith was the invention of electronic media. Before this addition of media to the American childhood, children would play active games outdoors and get exercise in a fun way. Now they spend most of there time on the computer or watching large amounts of TV. As Dr. Keith puts it, "Parents are feeling reassured that their kids are safe at home, but these activities or having consequences." Another big involvement in the increase of obesity that is a big topic among many is the food being served at fast food restaurants. What about fast food restaurants though add to America's obesity? Author of The Super-sizing of America: Are Fast Food Chains to Blame for the Nation's Obesity?, Jenny Murphy, believes its the increase of proportions and the low cost price of the meal which makes costumers feel like they are "getting a bang for the buck" as Jenny puts it. The Surgeon General believes that an issue with low health literacy is also a cause for this increase. Many people do not know what is often being said on the nutrition of foods or how to translate them. An example of this is not knowing how many calories a day should be consumed which leads to the nutrition label being meaningless if you don't know how much food your body should consume.