We live in a fast-food world where unhealthy choices are convenient, inexpensive, and tempting. And we live in a digital world filled with modern conveniences that often rob us of the physical exercise needed to maintain healthy lifestyles.
The United States has the 12th highest obesity rate in the world at 36.2%. Diet is primarily to blame, with Americans receiving mixed messages about what they should be eating and how much of it. Faced with mouth-watering advertisements served alongside campaigns promoting daily activity and proper nutrition, many Americans opt for fast, cheap, and filling options such as processed packaged foods, fast food, and larger portions. This often leads to a diet rich in fat, calories, sodium, chemicals, and low in vitamins and nutrients.
White Castle opened the second fast-food outlet in Wichita, Kansas in 1921. They sold hamburgers and were the first to standardize production of food. They created the first fast food supply chain that supplied ingredients to all outlets. Its founder, cook Walt A. Anderson, is credited with invention of the hamburger bun as we know it today. His partner was Edgar Waldo "Billy" A. Ingram who in time bought out Anderson. White Castle changed the public's perception towards the ground beef and made hamburgers popular. Today they have more than 420 outlets. The McDonald brothers opened their restaurant in 1948, and several fast-food chains that exist today opened soon after. Burger King and Taco Bell got their start in the 1950s, and Wendy’s opened in 1969.
The other part of this problem is the lack of physical exercise. We no longer see children playing stick ball or any ball games, or other games in the streets. With the invention of the cell phone and other electronic devices it appears that the exercise is now limited to the thumbs, even with the adults.
This increase of obesity in America causes an increase in two major problems. First and very important, is there is presently a dangerous problem in supplying our military with the qualified troops that are needed to protect our country.
Secondly are the medical problems that obesity causes. Many adults and children with obesity suffer from diabetes and other medical issues including heart problem. Unfortunately this problem is common in our veterans coming home, discharged from active duty. Many of them suffer problems in returning to civilian life, and will grab a bit of food wherever they can.