Obesity Obstacles

• Why do you think it has, "proven difficult to create a sense of urgency in the public's perception of the issue (obesity)?"

Because we can all agree that people love food. Especially sugary, sweet foods. And sometimes people aren't even aware what their diets look like. So they have no idea what health state they're in.

• What is Dr. Daniel Callahan's position on how to attack the obesity epidemic?

His opinion is that society should be told, right out front. That media should show the full truth of obesity, how it happens, why it happens, and how to stop it. He says that we should treat it the same as we did smoking, in the past. To try and influence the people to be healthy and stop eating so much junk.

• Do you agree with his suggestions? Why or Why not?

I agree that the people should know the dangers of obesity, and how to stop it. Part of the reason why there is a  high rate of obesity is because people honestly don't know. We should try to help educate people about health and fitness.

• Do you think that obesity should be treated like cigarettes & smoking? Why or Why not?

The way we stopped most of the smoking was by outlawing smoking in public places, making smoking ads illegal, and putting a tax on cigarettes to make them harder to afford. I don't think we should outlaw fast food restaurants, or put taxes on junk foods. I think we just need to educate the people, and they can make the decision for themselves.

• Which CDC statistic stands out most to you? Why?

That 6% of the students asked did not eat vegetables the week before the poll was taken place. It is kind of sad how little vegetables and fruits are eaten.