Is Fast Food The New Tobacco?

                                                                        Carol McLean

New Jersey City University

Contemporary Literacies

Michelle Rosen

July 6, 2024

Is Fast Food The New Tobacco?


In the documentary, “What the Health”, when Dr. Micheal Klaper discussed how bad animal protein is for the body as it causes cancer and cardiovascular disease. Filmmaker Kip Andersen asked him, “Is chicken better?”. Dr. Klaper responded with, "It’s a question of whether you wanna be shot or, hung" (15:14-15:18). In the documentary "What the Health", Dr. Michael Klaper makes a striking analogy when comparing chicken and beef. This highlights his view that neither option is healthy, as both pose significant health risks. Addressing the obesity pandemic in America requires a holistic strategy that integrates individual accountability with governmental oversight, as both personal choices and systemic factors significantly influence public health outcomes. The obesity pandemic in America has been likened to the previous public health disaster caused by tobacco. The current discussions revolve around whether tackling obesity should include government regulation or continue to be a matter of personal accountability. Through an analysis of the arguments presented in Radley Balko's "What You Eat Is Your Business," David Zinczenko's "Don't Blame the Eater," Michelle Obama's presentation at the NAACP Convention, and insights from the Netflix documentary "What the Health," a deeper comprehension of the intricacies surrounding this matter may be achieved. 

In the "What You Eat Is Your Business" article, Radley Balko advocates for individual accountability. Balko argues that government interference in private eating decisions weakens human responsibility. He criticizes efforts such as implementing a ban on unhealthy food in schools and enforcing the disclosure of calorie counts on menus, arguing that these steps transfer the responsibility for health from the person to the government. Balko's fundamental contention is that individuals should have the autonomy to make their own health decisions without interference from government demands. He believes cultivating individual accountability and ownership for one's well-being is crucial in successfully addressing obesity. In his article, Radley states that “Instead of manipulating or intervening in the array of food options available to American consumers, our government ought to be working to foster a sense of responsibility in and ownership of our own health and well-being” (Balko 396).

On the other hand, David Zinczenko's "Don't Blame the Eater" presents a personal story emphasizing people's difficulties when making good eating choices, particularly in low-income communities. Zinczenko shares his own experiences as a child who had to take care of himself at home, with few opportunities to choose nutritious meals, which resulted in his battle with obesity. He highlights that fast food sometimes serves as the only economical and convenient choice for several individuals, especially teens. Zinczenko contends that the absence of clarity in nutritional data and the assertive promotional tactics used by fast food corporations have a substantial role in the obesity epidemic. He advocates for more responsibility within the food sector and enhanced availability of nutritional information, similar to the warning labels on tobacco goods. In his article, Zinczenko states that “Fast food companies are marketing to children a product what proven health hazards and no warning labels. They would do well to protect themselves, and their customers, by providing the nutrition information people need to make informed choices about their products” (Zinczenko 393). 

Michelle Obama's speech at the 101st NAACP Convention highlights the significance of community and structural elements in the obesity crisis, especially among African American communities. Obama emphasizes the connection between changes in lifestyle and environment and the increasing prevalence of obesity among youngsters. She highlights that the absence of secure outdoor areas, the widespread existence of food deserts, and reductions in funding for physical education programs have combined to form a detrimental combination of unhealthy behaviors. Former First Lady Michelle  Obama's Let's Move campaign aimed to tackle these systemic problems by advocating for enhanced nutritional standards in schools, boosting physical exercise, and improving the availability of nutritious foods in marginalized regions. The author emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach combining individual accountability and government involvement to create healthier surroundings.


The documentary "What the Health" comprehensively analyzes the food business and its influence on public health. It highlights the similarities between the use of animal products and the tobacco industry's historical attempts to minimize health hazards. The video emphasizes the connections between nutrition and chronic ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer while advocating for a diet centered on plant-based foods. The argument posits that influential food and pharmaceutical corporations have a strong personal interest in maintaining the existing state of affairs, often to the detriment of public health. "What the Health" advocates for more openness and regulation to safeguard consumers and encourage the adoption of better food options. The documentary shows a male actor from ABC News stating that “Hotdogs or bacon could be just as dangerous as smoking cigarettes” (2:28-2:31).

Considering these viewpoints, it is evident that both individual accountability and governmental oversight are essential in tackling the obesity crisis. Although individual decisions are important, they are powerfully shaped by the wider environment and systemic issues. Individuals need access to precise information, nutritious dietary choices, and secure environments for physical exercise to make well-informed and advantageous health choices. Addressing the obesity pandemic, similar to the tobacco epidemic, ultimately requires a comprehensive approach that integrates personal responsibility with focused government supervision. Government action should primarily aim to reduce pharmaceutical expenses and guarantee that firms provide wholesome, organic food devoid of detrimental additives and chemicals. We may attain improved overall well-being by addressing the underlying systemic factors and allowing individuals to make informed choices about their health. Thus, advocating for individual accountability and supporting government intervention in these domains are mutually reinforcing approaches to combating obesity. Government regulation may facilitate the establishment of a conducive atmosphere that promotes healthy choices. For instance, mandatory, transparent nutritional labeling, limiting the aggressive promotion of harmful foods to children, and guaranteeing the universal availability of fresh and cheap food are crucial measures. These strategies may enable people to assume accountability for their health by equipping them with the necessary resources and chances to do so. Simultaneously, it is essential to cultivate a culture that emphasizes individual accountability. Promoting and supporting individuals' adoption of healthier choices and comprehending the enduring consequences of their food habits is critical. Educational campaigns and community activities enable individuals to acquire the necessary information and skills to lead healthier lifestyles.






Works Cited

Balko, Radley. “What You Eat is Your Business.” The Cato Institute, 23, May 2004. 

NAACP. “First Lady Michelle Obama Addresses the 101st NAACP Convention.” YouTube, 12 July 2010, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilal-sfplpc. 

“What the Health”. Directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, A.U.M. Films & Media, 2017. Netflix. 

Zinczenko, David. “ Don't Blame the Eater. ” The New York Times. 2002.

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