Fast Food and Public Health
Most of us can agree that fast food is not the healthiest option available when it comes to eating, but occasionally we all stop in to our favorite fast food restaurant when we are hungry, or in a rush. In 2010, President Obama passed a law that required every major fast food chain and many restaurants to display or inform their customers about the calories and contents in the items on their menus. So, we decided to go to Burger King and see if they had nutritional information posted about their menu items. Turns out they did, but unfortunately the information was hidden in a corner near the bathroom. We all agreed that the poster should have been placed somewhere in the restaurant where everyone could see it, and also in a big enough font so that it could be read while waiting in line. Also, it is important to have nutritional information posted in the drive through area as well. However, this new requirement is a step in the right direction, because people need to be more aware of the choices they are making when it comes to eating. It is important to know what is in the food we are consuming, the calorie count, and the healthier options that are available. So many of our health issues today are the result of poor diet and a lack of exercise. For example, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in America, and obesity is directly linked to it. This new requirement that restaurants actually display nutritional information is important to Public Health because it allows consumers to make smarter and healthier choices when it comes to eating.
Hey guys,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you all that having nutrition information available to the public is important. Health problems can be very expensive so it can also help people realize that if they changed their eating habits, they can also save money and their life. Once more informed about nutrition and the fact that it is available almost everywhere it would be harder to avoid. It can help people become more interested in eating healthier, developing a fitness plan, or a passion for healthier cooking. It can make society not only healthier but happier which could possibly reduce drug/alcohol use. Personally if I want to eat out somewhere I always look for the nutrition menu first because it allows me to be in control of what food I chose to eat. It also contributes to a greater performance when working out from burning calories to having more energy to complete a workout. It's all about making a positive impact with a beneficial ending in mind.
I agree with you all about having nutritional information in a location where it is visible to the eye. It's extremely important to be aware of calorie intake because a high calorie diet can lead to obesity, which is a major health problem in the U.S. By providing nutritional information in the fast food industry, one can improve their eating habits. Also, having an exercise routine along with a healthy diet helps reduce weight gain. Overall, people who are willing to turn their life around by eating healthier need to have a positive attitude and have confidence within themselves.
ReplyDeleteIt is apparent that the obesity rate in the United States is continually growing. We can easily blame this excessive weight gain that Americans have experienced on the convenience and low cost of fast food. By educating people on the nutrition facts of what they are feeding their bodies, they are more likely to choose a healthier choice; this is why the availability of nutrition facts is imperative. I definitely agree that nutrition facts should be more accessible and noticeable in fast food restaurants. Having the amount of calories displayed underneath each item on the menu board is also another effective way of promoting a more health-conscious America.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, guys! I agree that nutritional information should be posted in a place where it can be easily read and seen by all customers. It is important to make healthy food choices and to be aware of our caloric intake, especially with "unhealthy" food like fast food. If customers know how much calories they are eating during their meal, they will be more aware of their health and will be able to maintain a healthy weight in comparison to those that do not know, simply because the nutrition facts poster is not visible, in a remote location, or has tiny print. Nutrition facts should be available everywhere, not just in fast food restaurants.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really important example of public health. Unfortunately in today's society many people are simply uninformed of what they're really eating. With our current rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems, it's becoming a problem to America as a whole. The higher rates of poor health leads to: more hospital visits, medical costs and medication, which further contributes to our already high costs of health care.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the idea that the calorie count and nutritional information should be posted in a place where all the customers can see it, sometimes many believe that what they are ordering in a fast food restaurant is somewhat healthy but little do they know that the might be one of meals that contain the most calories.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a very important aspect of ordering fast food that lots of people overlook. They think of it as a routine thing and order whatever they are in the mood for, having the calorie and nutrition information visibly posted and available will positively impact customer's decisions on what to order. This is a great post and a great way to raise awareness in this nutritional aspect of Public Health.
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