The U.S. is exporting obesity
American fast-food culture is making the whole world unhealthier
Left unchecked, rapidly rising obesity rates could slow or even reverse the dramatic gains in health and life expectancy that much of the world has enjoyed over the past few decades. And by forcing its food culture on countries like Mexico and Canada, the US is making the problem worse. As President Donald Trump’s administration throws sharp elbows in trade negotiations and systematically rescinds regulations introduced by President Barack Obama, one casualty is likely to be efforts to fight the global obesity epidemic. Left unchecked, rapidly rising obesity rates could slow or even reverse the dramatic gains in health and life expectancy that much of the world has enjoyed over the past few decades. And by forcing its food culture on countries like Mexico and Canada, the United States is making the problem worse.
It is perhaps fantasy to expect the current U.S. administration to consider any kind of anti-obesity strategy while it is still busy dismantling Obama-era policies. But that is all the more reason why countries entering new trade agreements with the U.S. (for example, the post-Brexit U.K., or post-NAFTA Canada) must be wary of any provisions that tie their hands in the war against obesity.
It isn't really forcing anything, the thing that makes American fast food great is how cheap it is. Countries are getting our culture because of the creation of a middle class means people become more involved and thus food being fast, convenient, and cheap. People then will sacrifice other factors for those 3 factors, America isn't forcing anything, it's more likely that it is rise of the middle class.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nevin completely, I see no force from the US on other countries as these companies are just looking to expand. I do agree the obesity issue is a huge issue in the US, however I think that is a tough task for politicians to take on.
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