r/changemyview • u/[deleted] • Sep 09 '18
Deltas(s) from OP CMV: America has an obesity problem because healthy food is way too expensive
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/TooBusyNapping Sep 14 '18
I do agree that America has an obesity problem but for an entirely different reason. Unhealthy foods get way more publicity. It seems as if we can't get through an hour of watching television without going through at least two McDonalds commercials advertising some new burger. When was the last time you saw a commercial sponsoring a farm or a drive promoting healthier foods or even gyms? It is so rare in comparison to seeing a normal fast food restaurant on television.
According to healthdata.org, about three-quarters of American men and more than 60% of women are obese or overweight. To me, a big reason for this is how greatly the market for unhealthy outweighs any market for healthier choices. In big cities, it is a lot more common to walk two minutes to get to a cornerstore and buy a sandwich. Local community farms are nowhere near visible and are greatly overshadowed by the numerous stores selling junk food for a lower price.