Is Fast Food The New Tobacco?

 Sophie Cucco

The idea of fast food being the "new tobacco" is often discussed in the context of health risks and the regulation of industries that harm public well-being. Tobacco, once marketed heavily and associated with glamour, is now heavily regulated due to its clear, proven health risks (lung cancer, heart disease, etc.). Fast food, similarly, has been linked to significant health issues like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

The debate hinges on whether the government should intervene more aggressively in regulating unhealthy foods as it did with tobacco. However, many, including Balko, stress that personal choice plays a significant role, suggesting the focus should be on education and awareness rather than restrictions. Balko's piece argues that the government should not infringe on personal freedoms by regulating food choices in the same way it regulates tobacco or alcohol. He believes in the power of personal responsibility and informed choice, and he cautions against expanding government control over what people eat, even though unhealthy eating habits are linked to serious health problems.

Balko's perspective is a bit controversial because, while many agree with him on personal freedoms, others feel that the government has a responsibility to address the public health crisis related to poor diets, particularly as it strains the healthcare system. He strongly believes that individuals should be allowed to make their own choices, even if those choices have long-term negative consequences. I wonder what exactly could be done to inform the masses on personal health. I think It's easy with children, especially in schools. Education is critical in the development of a new generation, ideally a healthy one. It's more difficult with adults, who already have built certain habits. It would take a lot to rework their mindset.

Personally, I believe that there should be more research done in terms of what is in the food that we consume. There wouldn't have to be as much regulation on what we eat, if our food weren't altered from its natural state. I think that the development of mass food production, and the rise of processed foods is a root cause of the obesity epidemic in America. While they are convenient and affordable, it shouldn't be so normalized to believe that additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats can actually fuel our bodies. All in all, I do agree that people should have the right to eat whatever they want to eat, without government intervention. However, perhaps the government should consider exactly what is being put onto the shelves at our supermarkets in the first place.