Don't Blame the Eater, Blame Ronald

David Zinczenko makes some good points and insights regarding the health of many young people across the world in this short essay. The issue is complex though as it is not as easy as just placing warning labels on the hazardous big macs and others that are served in fast food restaurants. A warning label on a hamburger I am afraid will not be read 75% of the time. If we are talking about lower income families that are eating McDonalds frequently throughout the week, the chance that these families can even read is quetsionable. My mom frequently tells me of stories where patients come in to her hospital without following the procedures necessary to undertake surgery. The patients are mailed a packet of information that must be read and tells the patients what they can and can't do prior to surgery. Most often they are not supposed to eat 12 hours until the surgery. My mom usually tell me that these people cannot read the packets they are sent and do not follow the directions.

I think that the bigger problem with these issues lies in the education system. The education system could effectively solve all these problems under one broad spectrum. Requiring classes which stress personal health and dieting habits could help these students learn to control their diets and lead a healthy lifestyle. This educational approach can not be used to solve all ailments though, and the author lends to the fact that they just did not have enough money to buy any other food alternatives. The parents of these children carry the burden here and have a responsibility to monitor the foods that their children eat. This is what a parent is created for, the need to GUIDE your children on the decisions they should be making. But, I do think that Zinczenko's suggestions would help the situation regarding fast food. I am also unsure as to how effectively these companies can be sued for making children fat. If the company is complying with all current laws they could have a hard time creating a basis for their lawsuit.