What´s the Main Cause of the Skyrocketing Rates of Obesity

We can all agree on the detriments of obesity, but what is the main cause of the skyrocketing rates of obesity? According to former New York State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, sugary drinks, which have limited nutritious value, are the greatest source of added sugar in most people’s diets, hence, the high obesity rates (633). Others, on the other hand, say there is more than one cause to obesity and sugary drinks are not to blame. One popular solution to this obesity epidemic that has been proposed is the taxation by the government of sugary drinks. The idea behind this proposal is to discourage the consumption of sugar by financially penalizing its consumption. Prestigious doctors and nutritionists believe this tax will indeed help cut obesity rates just like the highly-successful tobacco taxes of the past. While they are some people who oppose the measure of taxing, the taxation of sugary drinks is something the government and the society would benefit from. Both sides agree obesity is becoming a critical problem that is in desperate need of attention, but the way it should be addressed has divided the nation. People who disagree with the taxing believe the restriction of sugary drinks will not help pave the way to long term healthy behavior. The taxation on sugary drinks is likely to be a burden on the poor since they’re susceptible to unhealthy behavior (Engber 643). In order to afford enough food for the family, they have to buy cheap food which means buyingShow MoreRelatedObesity And Its Effects On The Health Of Americans And People All Across The World1514 Words   |  7 Pages Obesity is a very serious threat to the health of Americans and people all across the world. A plethora of studies have been done to confirm the adverse effects of obesity on an individual s health. Obesity rates have been skyrocketing in the past 30 years. The year 2000 marked the first time in human history that the percentage of obesity in the human population rose over 50% (Obesity: A Cultural and Biocultural Perspective). Obesity, as well as childhood obesity, is more prevalent than everRead MoreThe Unethical And Unconstitutional Soda Tax And Ban3892 Words   |  16 Pageschoices about what we want to drink. But if a new law has its way this variety of drink choice could be no more, which is largely because soda and sugary beverages are contributing to the staggering increase in obesity rates in recent years in the United States. Obesity is defined as an abnormal accumulation of body fat that is usually 20% or more over an individual’s ideal body weight for their specif ic height, age and gender (Free Medical Dictionary 2007). Body weight and obesity risk are a resultRead MoreThe Invisible Killer : Obesity, The Modern Day Black Plague1875 Words   |  8 Pages Hannah Ylarregui Mrs. Blevens CSU Expository Writing 30 October 2014 The Invisible Killer Obesity, the modern day black plague. High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes; the common factor among all of these diseases is obesity, a disorder involving excessive amounts of body fat. World wide obesity rates have been shooting up, yet the highest ten standing countries are USA, China and India, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Germany , Pakistan, and Indonesia. Easy access to cheap, fattening foodsRead MoreHealth Problems Of India Faces A Large Health Care Crisis1834 Words   |  8 Pagesthe pressing issue such as health, affects the children as well. India’s immunization rates are among the lowest in the world. That leads to early illnesses and diseases within the youngest generation of India. For as â€Å"developed† india is, it seems as if they should have higher rates than the undeveloped countries in sub-Saharan Africa. India just faces a massive inadequacy in health care. The three main causes in the inefficiencies of the health care system in India are access difficulties: geographicalRead MoreMarketing Mistakes and Successes175322 Words   |  702 Pagesopportunity to stretch themselves. In some cases where there is considerable updating, a new feature invites students to Assess the Latest Developments. Invitation to Research suggestions allow students to take the case a step further, to investigate what has happened since the case was written, both to the company and even to some of the individuals involved. In the final chapter, the various learning insights are summarized and classified into general conclusions. An Instructor’s Manual written