"Can't Stomach It" and "Fried chicken and fresh apples"

Julie Guthman discusses the way that obesity is viewed in America. As she points out, we constantly hear about the epidemic of obesity and the many social problems that obesity causes. Society has become so obsessed with the concept of weight and many political solutions, like “Snack taxes, corporate-sponsored exercise breaks, stronger food labeling laws, and, most troublingly, state-mandated student weigh-ins at public schools” have been suggested (1). Obesity has become profitable for many industries, and advertisements for weight loss, fitness, and health foods are increasingly common. Guthman fells that Pollans and authors like him are a part of the fuel for America’s obsession with obesity.  Although she agrees with Pollan that the overproduction of corn is a problem and subsidies should be removed for social and ecological reasons, she does not agree at the points where Pollan brings up obesity. Blame is put on those who are obese and negative self-images are forced on them. By labeling obesity as an epidemic, disease, or problem, overweight people are looked down on by society. Yet, very little is actually known about the relationship between food, exercise, obesity, and health. Guthman believes that government policy should focus on subsidies, protecting the environment as well as the rights of workers, but the choices of individuals should not be up for debate. But, as Kwate points out in Fried chicken and fresh apples, there are some undeniable facts about obesity. It can’t be a coincidence that obesity, poverty, and the presence of fast food restaurants are highly correlated. Fast food is cheap and high in, calories, fat, and cholesterol, but lacks nutrition. Partly because of racial segregation, some areas have significantly higher levels of obesity and more health problems. These areas often lack the resources and/or opportunities to obtain healthier food

            I think Guthman raises some good points, but unlike her, I believe that there is a real obesity problem in America. The exact cause and effect relationship between food and health may not be understood fully, but I don’t think it is jumping to conclusions to say that the way many American’s eat now is harmful to their health. However, the idea of focusing on government policy related to production, not consumption as well as protecting the environment and worker’s rights may be a good way to go about creating change. On the other hand, considering that the current system puts some people at a disadvantage, without adequate information about or access to healthy food, I think the government may have a responsibility beyond that. Obesity is not entirely based on personal preference, but on personal circumstance as well.

Does America have an obesity problem? And if so, whose responsibility is it to fix it?