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Obesity- responsibility of the government or of the individual?
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
Hey
I'm doing this topic as a debate for my Spanish oral, and so figured I'd put it in here and see what you guys have to say.
Basically, I'm putting forward the argument that it's the government's responsibility to control the growing obesity problem we have. Links to the 'advertising to kids' actually.
There is so much advertising around for unhealthy food, and it is especially persuasive towards the younger generation. And is it really our fault that we eat so much when there are now so many places selling unhealthy, fattening food? And I was also gonna say that there isn't enough help available for people who do have an obesity problem.
Basically, that we should blame the sellers rather than the consumers...
so, any disagreements/ideas...?
I'm doing this topic as a debate for my Spanish oral, and so figured I'd put it in here and see what you guys have to say.
Basically, I'm putting forward the argument that it's the government's responsibility to control the growing obesity problem we have. Links to the 'advertising to kids' actually.
There is so much advertising around for unhealthy food, and it is especially persuasive towards the younger generation. And is it really our fault that we eat so much when there are now so many places selling unhealthy, fattening food? And I was also gonna say that there isn't enough help available for people who do have an obesity problem.
Basically, that we should blame the sellers rather than the consumers...
so, any disagreements/ideas...?
0
Comments
On the other hand with regards to schools, I would go back to meat and two veg meals, no junk food option and spend more than the 35p per head we do now to make sure its nutritional. Also reintroduce proper PE lessons and school fields, lets stop treating children with kid gloves its peoples lives we are talking about now.
the government interfuckingfere enough in peoples lifestyle choices as it is ...no more please ...we are all growed up now and can make our own decisions thankyou.
even if those are the wrong decisions?
i realy don't want the government intruding in my decisions on a daily basis. if i want to open a cafe with ashtrays ...what the fuck has got to do with anyone else?
But in the case of fast food, leaving the people to make their decisions for themselves has led to a third of the population to become obese, with that rising amongst the next generation. The generation of the obese is just going to cost the government, and the NHS more money, which if the problem wasn't so large could go to better causes.
Though at the same time it is possible and even welcomed for the government to guide and advise.
In the case of dietary habits, I believe that in many cases it runs deep within the fabric of the country/area where one lives. It is not something you can change overnight. Having said that, the junk food situation is a relatively new one and thus more controllable.
But I doubt any government would make people adopt a different lifestyle. The Mediterranean diet is a healthier one. But could any government makes us switch to it? Well no- this ain't the Med and food is part of one's cultural legacy. You can't just ask people to eat lots tomato and lettuce salad (seasoned with extra virgin olive oil and vinegar only, naturally) or to eat loads more of fresh fruit, desirable as that would be.
But as I said before a bigger emphasis could be put into avoiding junk food and to exercise more often.
I beleive that there shoud definatly be more restrictions regarding unhealthy foods. Otherwise come 25 years time it will be totally out of control.
Lol, that is true.
Still, it's a pretty bad problem. I heard that in Spain there's a problem with operations and obese people- i.e. there are too many layers of fat for the doctors to get through to carry out operations, and some people can't actually fit in the scanning machines...
Have to admit, I did laugh at that last one...
Impossible to police though wouldn't you say. How do you stop me from buying junk food, when you can't stop me buying crack?
Darwinism anyone...
Junk food is legal;) I could impose heavy taxes on it, and have records of where it is bought. The crack i cannot put taxes on.
In life, a person should be responsible for their actions. Ergo, some obese person should CONTROL their OWN food intake.
Government should only be involved with protecting rights to person and property. not nannying people as to what they can and cannot eat!
Edited to take out offensive content.............
Doesn't work for smoking though, does it? Just creates a black market in those highly taxed items.
Ultimately it is the consumer's responsibility, but ultimately we may all end up paying for it because it will impact on sick days from work and the NHS.
Perhaps that is why we should tax those items more, to help pay for that rather than to put people off...
I think its a shame that so many people have so little will power. For some reason some people see taking a healthy diet as more expensive as well but I don't see that myself.
Then again, where as some people think Brussel Sprouts are rank - I find them quite tasty!
I think some kids parents make too much of a big deal out of "Eat the veggies baby! They are horrid but you need them!" therefore putting the kid off of them. I just had them on my plate and munched them along with everything else! I actually enjoy Veg Casseroles and Salads and Fresh Fruit at its best tastes much better than any choc or candy bar you can buy.
I don't but the argument that the best tasting food is the worst for you. That's just bull.
Don't get me wrong though - I still tuck into a few take aways a month. Just don't see the need to munch them and other fatty foods day in and day out.
My only vice is coke and pepsi.
For instance, add the tax to full fat milk but not to the semi and skimmed variations. Leave the healthier cooking oils as they are but tax those with the higher cholesterol levels... The same could apply to many other products where there is a 'light' or 'diet' version available, from butter to fizzy drinks.
doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that eating too much fatty food will make you fat.
i personally don't want the government telling me what i can and can't eat. i eat a fairly good diet most of the time, and if i want to go out for fast food once in a while, i should be able to.
i don't think this is a particularly workable idea, but i think that people should be charged for NHS treatment on self-inflicted conditions. this included obesity-related diseases, alcohol-induced disease, smoking-related conditions.
Maybe... but then a bit of population control would do us all good. Plus our kids wouldn't have to pay so much taxes to support the ever growing number of OAPs because they'd be dying early.
I think the government should leave things how they are (but take those bloody annoying MacDonalds adverts off TV... "I'm lovin' it"... how can you love that shite?) I mean nobody forces people to eat that crap. For the same price as a macDonalds meal you can get a nice salmon & cucumber sarnie, packet of crisps and drink from Boots.
Sports injuries, car crashes, pregnancy...
Why do you think you have the right to punish me if I prefer my kind of food to yours? Do you believe I am a toddler and you are my wise father?
Huh? You would still be able to make your choice, just that the cost would be higher...
You might as well just ask why I pay tax on my cigarettes, alcohol, petrol etc
Tax isn't a punishment, but it can be a way of society raising the funds to treat those conditions generated from you making your choice. Remember, in the UK we all fund the NHS...