Government Liability or Personal Liability?

Mcdonalds. Burger King. Wendy’s. What do they all have in common? Well, they are all fast food restaurants that are easily accessible all throughout the United States. However, because of this obesity has become a huge problem. Many people may argue and say that the government should be held accountable. However, others may say that they are their own person and that they should be held liable for all of their actions . The people should be able to know what they are putting into their systems. In addition to this, the government should also help in their journey to become physically healthy.

Is Obesity a disorder or a choice? Depending on a person's eating habits can contribute to them gaining weight and becoming obese. If someone were to eat a big mac a day, there could be a huge possibility that they could become an unhealthy weight. Genetics can also play a role in a person's weight. A person’s choices can also affect their weight. In order to avoid any additional unhealthy weight gain, a person must be educated on what they are eating and what alternatives they can lean towards. Despite alternatives being around, many people appear to not be able to get these alternatives considering that all the healthy foods are either out of reach. Healthy foods can be quite expensive. In addition to this, many people don’t have a supermarket in their vicinity and rely on bodegas which lacks the resources they need. This is what is known as a food desert. According to the American Nutrition Association (ANA), a food desert is a general area in the country that is vapid of fresh fruit, vegetables, and any other healthful whole foods. Usually, people who live in a food desert lack alternatives and turn to fast food since it is in the vicinity and it is affordable. Due to the lack of alternatives, there are approximately 3 million cases per year in the US that involve obesity.

Being educated is important when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet. If someone doesn't know about what they are putting in their system, chances are they could possibly be at risk. If the government were to provide free programs on nutrition, there is a possibility that the number of people who are obese in the United States could potentially drop. While these programs may help, others may see it as a waste. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. It is not guaranteed that the people would consider utilizing these programs.

After doing extensive research on the subject of obesity, I have come to the conclusion that a person's choices depends on their lifestyle. Being in Jersey City all my life, I don’t have the problem of being in a food desert since the grocery store is a few blocks away. In addition to this, I live at home and I have access to home cooked meals and don’t have to go towards fast foods. Even though this may be the case, it is my choice whether I decide to go to any of these fast food chains. Obstacles can get in our way and cloud our judgement,but, in the end we are responsible for our choices whether they are healthy or unhealthy choices. People should take more responsibility but at the same time, the government should also help us realize that what we are doing may affect us in the long run.