David Zinczenko: “Don’t Blame the Eater”

In 'Don't Blame the Eater,' the editor-in-chief of Men’s Health magazine David Zinczenko, discusses the recent lawsuits against fast-food chains. David Zinczenko believes the fast food industry is responsible for America’s obese children and also believes fast food should come with a warning label. He shares a personal story of how he used to eat fast food twice a day and how he learned to manage his diet. Zinczenko states that before 1994, diabetes in children was provided generally caused by a genetic disorder and has increased to 30 percent today (2002).

Although the percentage of diabetes has increased in children, I disagree with fast-food restaurants being mainly responsible. He seems to form a good argument as to why fast-food chains are to blame but I believe parents hold the most responsibility for their child’s health.

Zinczenko is right about the fact that there is no calorie information or warning labels but if one wanted to know the number of calories an item has they could always ask. Just because calorie intake is not included in the menu does not mean you do not have the right to ask about it. People should take responsibility for their health and diet and should control their children too. People should know when to limit their kid's or their sugar intake to avoid any future health problems. In the essay he takes the side of the children saying, he tends to sympathize with the portly fast-food patrons, because he used to be one of them (Zinczenko 2002). The parents are the ones that are responsible for their children's well-being and what is consumed by them. Their health and what they eat should be prioritized by their parents. Parents may find it easier and quicker to just stop and buy their kithemds fast food instead of having to cook. To avoid obesity and reduce health problems, people should take interest in what they are putting in their bodies and especially their children's bodies.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important factor in a person’s balanced diet and well-being. A balanced diet provides an intake of a decent amount of energy and nutrients. Ashley Welch from CBS News states that the problem is that many Americans are just eating too much and not exercising enough (2015). Besides focusing on healthy diet choices, some type of physical activity is needed at least 3 or 4 times a week. Today, many parents do not pay enough attention to what they are feeding their kids and turn to fast food as an easy option. Kids nowadays are stuck inside playing video games or watching tv instead of going outside every day for at least 30 minutes. In parents forced their kids to go outside and play for a short amount of time, it will allow them to stay in shape and reduce the chance of obesity. Fast food does not entirely have to be avoided but the amount consumed should be limited. Keeping a healthy eating habit can prevent or reduce future health problems.

Starting a balanced diet at an early age can help strengthen your immune system, making it difficult for one to be affected by diseases or even pain. Eating healthy and exercising can benefit you both physically and mentally. Everyone is different when it comes to providing your body with the right food to help you have energy, lose weight and live healthily. While eating healthy you need to have the correct proportions of the food from each of the six food groups. Proportions vary for every individual due to everyone having a different metabolic rate. “Fast food, soft drinks, and candy are often painted as the driving forces behind America's obesity epidemic, but new research suggests there's more to it than that” (Welch 2015). Foods high in saturated fatty acids and the amount of sugar we consume from food such as sweets and fizzy drinks should be reduced. Instead of snacking on a chocolate bar or candy, you can replace it with a fruit or vegetable. Fruit and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Instead of giving your kid a can of soda, you can replace it with water. Drinking water is also an important factor for the human body. Water can also help flush out one’s system by drinking at least 8 cups a day. Water helps regulate temperature and maintain other bodily functions.

Zinczenko argues fast-food restaurants are vulnerable. He states “fast-food companies are marketing to children a product with proven health hazards and no warning labels” (Zinczenko 2002). Given children are more vulnerable to commercials that include their favorite toy they tend to beg their parents to go out and buy them the food they saw on tv. Fast food is associated with higher body mass index, less successful weight-loss maintenance, and weight gain (Mandal 2018). Fast food tends to lack nutrients and is high in calories, sugar, and fat. Although there are studies that show fast food has an impact on one’s health issues, parents could limit the amount of fast-food consumed and lower their child’s risk of being obese.

I understand where Zinczenko is coming from and the arguments he points out but I still believe the parents have the most responsibility when it comes to feeding their kids. Eating healthy has many positive benefits which will greatly affect you in the long run. It not only controls your weight and keeps you more energized but it helps prevent health problems such as heart disease, strokes, and high blood pressure. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet can also help prevent other diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. Unhealthy eating may lead to obesity increasing the rate of health problems if not treated instantly. It is never too late to change the eating habits of your kids. If all they are used to is eating fast food every day, try introducing them to fruits and vegetables. You could also take the time to cook at home as a change.

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