What is happening to America in the 21st century? Amid all the progress and advancement in technology and medicine, America still has a weakness in its "belly." It is a known fact that Americans are getting fatter and less active than before. The difference from several years ago to today is startling. Although the factors contributing to this "disease" are plenteous, the main causes are the lack of time, the growth of the fast food market, and the growth of entertainment industries.
Time is often the one factor that Americans can no longer control or have enough of. Out of all the causes of obesity, time is also the most dominant. The normal parent works 50 hours a week. More than eight hours a day! It is very difficult to fit all the daily chores into that one day. The temptation to "quickly go by and pick up something to eat" is sometimes overwhelming. When you have to go to the dry cleaners, cash a check at the bank, set up a conference with your boss, and get some milk from the grocery store, fast food makes sense. Going home to cook a wholesome meal can take up to thirty minutes to prepare and serve. Why not just go by McDonald and pick up a meal in less than five minutes? It is the easiest solution for saving time.
The abundance and growth of the fast food industry is another cause of obesity. An industry that started with simple hot dog and hamburger stands in Southern California, has now spread to every corner of the nation. Fast food is now served at restaurants and drive-throughs, at stadiums, airports, zoos, high schools, elementary schools, and universities, on cruise ships, trains, and airplanes, at K-Marts, Wal-Marts, gas stations, and even at hospital cafeterias. In 1970, Americans spent less than $6 billion on fast food; in 2000, they spent more than $110 billion. Americans now spend more money on fast food than on higher education, personal computers, computer software, or new cars.