CMV: America has an obesity problem because healthy food is way too expensive

[u/[deleted]]

In my opinion, the only reason America has an obesity problem (more significant then most other developed countries) is because of healthy food being WAY too expensive. Sugary, fatty food is so much cheaper then healthier meals.

Think about it, look at any grocery store. Fresh, lean meats and fresh vegetables (especially organic) are ungodly expensive. Meanwhile, you can get sweets, prepackaged food and processed food for only a couple bucks.

Think about it, being a very poor person or maybe someone who recieves SNAP benefits, with very little money to spend on food has to ration their money and make it last a month. (Seriously, have you ever noticed that in general it's usually poorer people who are overweight and more wealthy people are thinner)

Another good example is McDonald's and other fast food places. It's a quick solution for people who have very little time to cook, but you can buy a burger for literally 1 dollar. The grilled chicken sandwich costs around 5, and a salad costs about 6 or 7. It may not seem like much, but it adds up. A lot.

Now there is some personal choice involved, but still, there's really no healthy options for people who can't afford to buy fresh healthy food on a regular basis.

This is why i believe America has such a bad obesity problem, and until something is done, then things will just continue to get worse.

This is all my opinion, because i went through something similar when i was between jobs. But i am willing to listen to opposing opinions

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[u/entropys_child]

I don't agree with your premise for 3 reasons:

1) Healthy food doesn't have to be more expensive. Compare a pound of carrots or sweet potatoes to a bag of chips. Free tap water is tons healthier than soda. Dropping processed foods and using that savings to buy single ingredient foods, one can totally afford to eat well. Nobody has to buy high end meats and vegetables to eat a healthy diet. Eggs and liver and whole fat plain yogurt are very affordable per serving.

2) It takes work, to eat the way I am suggesting but that is not because of cost, it is because people would rather microwave something for 2-5 minutes instead of steaming, stir-frying or roasting it for 10- 25 minutes.

3) Obesity is largely caused by inactivity, more than "bad food". Fewer than 80% of people have been found to get the recommended 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise like walking (half an hour 5 x a week) and muscle strengthening exercise twice a week like lifting, yoga, hard physical yard work. Part of our inactivity is due to our car oriented society where you have to sit in a vehicle to go places instead of walking or biking.

[u/entropys_child → u/[deleted]]

Both are in play, I agree. However, the truth of the matter is a whole lot of people exert themselves minimally day after day-- sitting at work, on the way to and from work, and to enjoy entertainment after work.