Obesity Crisis

 Alexa Arntz

Obesity is a widespread disease that is destroying our countries. This ongoing epidemic has cost America more money

every year. As obesity rates hit the younger adolescents, more money is getting wasted. As well as the ongoing chain of fast food

and calorie packed processed foods, something the government hasn't and should fix. 

In America, it costs us 147 billion dollars for obesity. 39% of adults were obese in 2015-2016 and expected to grow.

The more suprising factor then almost half of the adults being obese is that our government hasn’t done anything about it. 

The direct cost for obesity is the cost of surgery for any issues that arise. Also for any diseases that are contracted. Obesity

increases the chance of diabetes, cancer, stroke, and death. It is the result of inpatient and outpatient health services. Indirect

costs are the missed days at work to receive that specific surgery or therapy. As well as, insurance which certain employees

have to pay more for because of their obesity. “The study concluded that obese women (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher)

were 61 percent more likely to miss work time, compared to women of healthy weight.” However, the government hasn’t

taken control. Fast food chains keep growing and processed foods are pushed out on shelves faster. The rise of child obesity

is scary and no one has taken control. In 2030 it is predicted to be more than 49%. 

The opportunity cost of not having obesity can be used in so many things. Military, national debt, or other topics like that.

With this money we can find different ways to use it in a better manner. Even though “Some estimate the fast-food industry's

revenue to be about $200 billion in America and $570 billion globally.” There is only a 53 billion dollar difference between the two.

In some ways it’s a lot however for the health of country it isn’t. 

In conclusion, this specific issue is one that the government should look into. If all the government is spending and

wasting billions of dollars, there needs to be change. There can not be any change without the realization of this obesity crisis. 

Works Cited

“Please Enable Cookies.” StackPath, www.ehstoday.com/health/article/21908784/obesity-linked-to-job-absenteeism-study-says.

“The Revenue of Fast Food Chains in America.” TitleMax, 14 Apr. 2021, www.titlemax.com/discovery-center/money-finance/the-revenue-of-fast-food-chains-in-america/#:~:text=Some estimate the fast-food,America and $570 billion globally.