Is Fast Food the New Tobacco?

 Is Fast Food the New Tobacco?

The comparison between tobacco and fast food is a subject of debate and several different opinions. Both tobacco and fast food have been associated with negative health impacts and creating bad habits. When people consume fast food a lot, the obesity rate percentage increases and causes health issues. When people smoke tobacco, it can lead to various illnesses that can cause death, including lung cancer and other forms of cancer. Tobacco and fast food industries have faced criticism for their marketing practices and influence on how much individuals consume. Both fast food places and tobacco companies advertise their products all over the internet and world targeting children and young adults. When they advertise their products, they downplay the negative health impacts that their products have. They of course have labels on their products informing the individuals that it has warnings, but they do not stress the importance of being careful with what you put into your body. Both tobacco and fast food have faced different shifts when it comes to people's perception. Fast food is still extremely popular, especially in the United States. I do feel as if fast food has increased individuals' concerns about its contribution to the obesity epidemic. People see how much fast food can have a negative impact on people's lives and they are trying to choose healthier food options. Individuals are also demanding nutritional information about food options. Tobacco has also had a major decline in social acceptability. People are more aware of its health risks and there are also many bans and decreased smoking rates in several different countries. 

Should the obesity issue be government regulated or remain personal responsibility? 

There is an ongoing argument whether or not the obesity issue should be government regulated or remain personal responsibility. I believe that people should be held accountable for their personal health. Individuals have the right to choose their own lifestyles, including their dietary habitats. Individuals know exactly what they are choosing to consume everyday and they should regulate their health themselves. When people are more educated about healthy eating habits, promoting personal accountability is actually more effective than government regulation. If the government is too involved, it can cause an issue with people's freedom and individual autonomy. It is important to have personal choices, self discipline, and making better decisions for our wellbeing. 

What You Eat is Your Business and Don't Blame the Eater

Balko argues in his writing that the government should not be responsible for obesity. He believes that individuals should have to take responsibility for their own food consumption choices and that government intervention undermines personal accountability. He tries his hardest to advocate for a shift in focus towards getting individuals to make informed choices through personal responsibility and being educated on what they are consuming. Zinczenko in his article criticizes the fast food industry for contributing to the obesity epidemic, especially with the younger generation. He argues that the fast food companies should be held accountable and are the ones to blame. They are promoting unhealthy eating habits and misleading advertising. He also talks about the difficulties that individuals have to face when making better choices when affordable and convenient alternatives are usually limited.