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Obesity In America

Obesity in America has become an increasingly serious problem in recent years, and it is now rising to an "epidemic" proportion (Update). According to statistics gathered from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of overweight or obese Americans has risen more than 135% in the past 30 years (Greenblatt). A recent study shows that nearly 300,000 Americans died in the year 2000 as a result of poor diet and exercise habits (Update). Today, Obesity is second only to smoking, as the leading cause of preventable disease (Sherman). The effects of obesity on America are being seen more clearly today, and the effects include a variety of consequences ranging from health care to discrimination to lawsuits.

Obesity has garnered a lot of attention as Americans begin to recognize the severity of the situation. In the past few years, obesity has been put in the spotlight over recent lawsuits; geared at holding restaurants and food manufacturers liable for their customers being overweight and obese. In 2002, two obese teens from New York sued McDonalds because they believed the chain's foods contributed to their weight and health problems (Greenblatt). The lawsuit was dismissed in January of 2003.

Another company to be affected by lawsuits is Kraft. In May of 2003, a lawsuit was filed by Stephen Joseph to prevent Oreos from being marketed to elementary school students (Kher 54). A few days later Kraft announced it would be working towards removing the unhealthy Trans fats from its entire product line (Kher 54). Joseph withdrew his suit after hearing the announcement made by Kraft.

Although I would agree with the courts, that food manufacturers and retailers are not ultimately responsible for their customers becoming obese, a person's diet does greatly affect their health. Health consequences of being overweight or obese are numerous; there are over 30 medical conditions that are currently associated with obesity (AOA). Nearly...