Obesity may be a preventable problem but it has taken the wrong turn in America. Researchers have found that more than 2 billion people worldwide are now overweight or obese. Obesity has become one of the many health problems that have affected the way society is today. When deciding what to eat, it's hard for some people to resist fast food. Most people have a McDonald's ten or twenty minutes away, making it convenient for those who don't want to cook when they get home. The number of overweight people continues to increase. Exercising and eating healthily are two ways to avoid the problem of obesity. Ignoring the problem only makes it worse over time. Although the number of overweight individuals may be a personal concern, it still reflects the larger problem of society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The reasons for the increase in obesity in the past are unknown, but they are now evident. When we consume unhealthy foods, our brain is helpless. While weight is, of course, partly a matter of personal responsibility, America's obesity epidemic is primarily driven by upstream influences from industry, federal policies, and social norms. Our country is on track to propose higher excise taxes on good dietary foods. People should know what the differences are between fast food and sugary drinks because they are all labeled. Exercise plays an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Exercise and physical activity are important factors in determining obesity trends. Lack of exercise increases the risk of obesity. The effects of a sedentary lifestyle promote weight gain and, ultimately, obesity. Being moderately active for at least thirty minutes a day can help reduce the chance of weight gain. To maintain a healthy weight or lose weight, most people will need at least an hour a day of physical activity. You need to burn more calories than you consume. Overweight people should strive to achieve a goal. You need to be consistent with physical activity to maintain a certain weight. Lack of exercise can increase your risk of developing other health problems. To reduce obesity, a change in diet is also necessary. For those who can't afford much, eating healthy simply isn't feasible for their finances. Eating a healthy and balanced diet turns out to be much more expensive than eating junk food. According to a study by Harvard University's School of Public Health, "the daily cost of consuming the healthiest diet is approximately $1.50 more per person per day than the least healthy diet." Fast food restaurants like McDonald's offer a dollar menu that is appealing to those on a budget. People don't realize the calorie intake they consume when they eat fast food. Most fast foods contain high amounts of sugar, fat and carbohydrates. This means you are eating a greater amount of unhealthy calories which leads to weight gain. Couple that with larger portions called “supersizing” and it's a recipe for obesity. When most people get home, they don't feel like cooking. Preparing healthy meals takes time that most Americans don't have. The calorie intake far exceeds the convenience of fast food. It's the "convenience" of fast food that makes you fat. The allure of fast food clouds society's choices regarding.