Fast Food & the Obesity Epidemic

by Autumn Libal

Overview

Obesity—the state of being very overweight—is more than a problem in the world today; it's a crisis. One out of every three adults is obese. Childhood obesity is a major health concern as well. Experts agree that fast food is one of the most significant factors behind bigger bodies. For many people, fast food has become more than a quick way to grab a meal; it has become a way of life. Learn how fast food and the fast-food industry have shaped not only our bodies but also our lifestyles. Discover how to fight the fast-food industry's hold over the world's diet.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781422230619
Publisher:	National Highlights Inc.
Publication date:	08/28/2014
Series:	Understanding Obesity Series
Pages:	104
Sales rank:	437,666
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

Table of Contents

Introduction 7

1 The Birth of a Nation? 9

2 Energy Is the Key: An Introduction to Calories 25

3 Variety Is the Spice of Life: Getting Your Essential Nutrients 33

4 What You Don't Know Will Hurt You: What's Really in Fast Food 53

5 Big Mac Nation Going Supersized 71

6 Out of the Television… 83

7 Fighting the Fast Food Habit: Can America Downsize? 93

Series Glossary of Key Terms 99

Further Reading 101

For More Information 102

Index 103

About the Author and the Consultant 104

Picture Credits 104

Editorial Reviews

These three titles examine the causes of the obesity crisis in America. Nature And Nurture explains the basics of genetics and discusses how both genetics and lifestyle choices affect a person’s susceptibility to obesity. Fast Food discusses the history of the fast-food industry and how American consumption of processed foods has increased over time. Big Portions further delves into the history and growth of both the fast-food and the flavor industries, and examines what causes portion sizes to grow and the effects of that growth on the obesity epidemic. These titles present interesting information but lack in execution. Text is interspersed with stock photos and cartoonish illustrations that make the information, however solid, seem watered down. Additionally, several sections, including the history of McDonald’s restaurants and the story behind the film Supersize Me, are repeated verbatim across at least two of the three volumes, so these books may not have the breadth of information needed by report writers. A section on healthcare in America feels incomplete with no mention of the Affordable Care Act. Overall, these titles add nothing new to a field where more information becomes available every day, making them secondary purchases at best. (Understanding Obesity) Reviewer: Elizabeth Norton; Ages 11 to 14.

VOYA, December 2014 (Vol. 37, No. 5) - Elizabeth Norton