Article Analysis Essay on Don't Blame the Eater

Introduction

In the contemporary world today, fast-foods have become far much popular than home cooked foods. The CDC report indicated that over 84.8 million adults opt for fast foods and consume these fast foods at least twice a day.

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Similarly, young people, the majority of whom are teenagers and you adults below twenty-five years- are victims of fast-food consumption. In united states alone, in a typical day, at least thirty per cent of young people from age four to nineteen consume fast food (Das). It is not a surprise that junk food consumption is ranks as the top causes of type II diabetes in children and obesity.

Zinczenko's article "Don't Blame the Eater" demonstrates the implications and the advance consequences of fast-food consumptions. As he argues, it may sound funny that a group of obese children is suing McDonald's for making them fat (Zinczenko 223). To Zinczenko, it is not funny because he was a fat kid too and like any other child, he fell on the trap of the Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken (modern-day KFC), and Taco Bell products.

Today, the government is spending billions of dollars in the treatment of type II diabetes and other weight-related diseases. According to the Center for Diabetes Control and Prevention (CDCP), diabetes accounted for a total of 2.6 billion dollars in the cost of healthcare in 1969. Five decades later, the number has sky-rocketed to over (3480 per cent) 100 billion dollars per year (Zinczenko).

Junk foods have caused catastrophic effects in the medical sector. The government is not only investing billions for obesity and type II diabetes in adults, and children equally make close to thirty per cent of diabetes patients. To demonstrate the seriousness of this matter, Zinczenko compared current statistics with those of 1994. According to the statistics, in 1994, only five per cent of type II diabetes or obesity-related cases were recorded. Generally, during the time the top cause of diabetes in children was related to genetic disorders. Today, the National Institutes of Health reported at least thirty per cent of childhood cases associated with type II diabetes is linked to unhealthy diets (Zinczenko).

It is quite unfortunate that despite the billions of dollars and the high rates of health risks caused by the consumption of these fast-foods Fast food joints are continuing to escalate in number along with the streets. These fast-food joints have placed in strategic positions that are very tempting and leave targeted customers with limited to no options when they get hungry. Besides, grocery stores are expensive to set up. Every mall today, must have at least a McDonald's, a KFC or a Pizza joint for it to be a 'mall.'

Majority of the hanging out parks or joints are mostly fast-food restaurants. Currently, the most eaten fast-food among college students and high school students is Pizza (Das). Looking at this scenario from an economic point of view, at most, it will cost about fifteen dollars to buy a Pizza which is a perfect feast for two people. Compared to cooking, the cost is cheaper and very pocket friend for individuals who don't bills to pay. Also, consumption of junk foods or hanging out in these fast-food stores and restaurants is perceived as "being cool," as opposed to eating vegetables which are regarded as being a 'child' (one who does not have a say).

Lack of proper information in regards to what is contained in the Junk foods to a great extent has contributed to these consumption behaviors. About 90 per cent of all fast-foods advertisements do not give information on the nutritional content of their products. Unlike alcohol-related adverts, which warn their consumers on the harm caused by excessive consumption of alcohol, Junk foods adverts do not inform their consumers on the damage caused and the risks involved. Perhaps if people knew exactly what they are consuming, they would consider their choices. Fortunately, there some fast-food companies that have tried to provide their nutria information on their products and websites. Unfortunately, despite the availability of the data, the terminologies and complexity of the data is too much for an ordinary consumer to understand.

At the moment, nothing much can be done to change the consumption behaviors of fast food consumers. However, educating them on the health-related issues they risk as well as the nutritional content may influence their perception of fast-foods and hopefully opt for healthier alternatives. On the same note, Zinczenko identified lack of cheaper options as a reason why the majority of teenagers and young people choose for fast foods. Providing other affordable alternatives may take some time, however, utilizing what is already available such as grocery stores, and consuming diet sensitive foods may offer a temporary solution as key stakeholders device a permanent solution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Zinczenko's article "Don't Blame the Eater," demonstrates the need for alternative solutions to the unhealthy consumption habits that have been brought about by fast-foods. Lack of calories and nutritional information have significantly contributed the uniformed consumed behaviors. Similarly, affordability and availability of fast-foods are primarily contributions to the enormous demand for junk foods. Thus, fast food advertisements should include nutritional information and also warn people of any likely harm or risks associated with excessive consumption of their products. Implementing these suggestions, will not only help consumers to make informed decisions but it will also help them understand the magnitude of the risks involved.

Works Cited

Das, Jadadish C. "Fast Food Consumption in Children: A Review." iMedPub Journals 1.1 (2015): 1-4. e-document.

Zinczenko, David. "Don't Blame the Eater." Graff, Gerald and Cathy Birkenstein. "They Say I Say": The Moves That Matter on Academic Writing. New York & London: W.W. Norton & Company, 2010. 222-224.