America tries to get healthy

by Celine Chahine
For many years America has been known as the country with the fat people, but things are starting to slowly improve.
Lack of exercise and eating too much of the wrong foods have left many Americans obese. Obesity is not only a physical problem but it comes along with many diseases and is becoming a leading cause of preventable deaths. Diabetes is one of the main illnesses that obesity leaves with Americans. Diabetes alone is found in 20.8 million children and adults. This disease is starting to increase year by year and many scientists are trying to find a cure.
Other than trying to find cures, many fast food restaurants, that increase obesity rates, are changing their menus so that they have healthier options. McDonalds has realized that they have created a problem by only having unhealthy, fried foods, and have taken away the option to “supersize” your meal. They have also added healthier food options to the list, such as milk instead of soda, and apples instead of French fries, and now they are using new and healthier oils for their French fries, making it trans-fat-free. These changes will help, and although their will be many people who wont buy these healthier foods, at least they had the option.
Getting fit is another thing that is getting out through radio and television. The radio always has government paid commercials that are encouraging the increase in outdoor activities. The television is also starting to show commercials for playing outside, and how only an hour a day will help decrease the risk of obesity.
Things such as improving ones eating habits and physical activity can save a life. People should take obesity more seriously because it can turn out to be a real problem. The way that people deal with this problem varies, some may even obtain an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia, but the only healthy way to decrease ones risk of obesity, without decreasing ones health and needed vitamins, is too get more active and eat healthier, more natural foods that are well proportioned.