Remember how happy you were when your parents bought you a happy meal as a child. It came in that nice little red box with some french fries and chicken nuggets. Oh, and best of all it always came with a toy; your parents would tell you not to open it until you're done eating, but that never happened. Or that time you forgot your money at home but still managed to scrape together a dollar and sixteen cents from your machine for an iced sweet tea. Fast food is always in trouble, but what's really behind the happy meals and sweet teas? We all know fast food isn't good for you, but who's to blame? Is it right to blame fast food chains or are we simply afraid of blaming ourselves? Fast food advertising is said to be linked to increases in childhood and adolescent obesity. The childhood obesity epidemic is a major public health problem that increases morbidity, morality, and incurs significant long-term economic and social costs (opposing views). About 20% of our youth are now overweight and obesity rates in preschool children are increasing at an alarming rate (opposing views). US Surgeon General Richard Carmona said “obesity is the fastest growing cause of disease and death in the United States.” When I read this I was shocked. This is something that can change, but it is up to us to make this commitment. No one else has the power to do this except us. Did you know that treating obesity-related problems costs Americans $117 billion per year, or $420 per person (CQ Researcher). However, I disagree that people should blame fast food chains for their health problems. The fast food industry intentionally markets unhealthy food to children (opposing views). Did you know that fast food chains spend more than 3 million a year on… half paper… we should take this lightly. Obesity rates among American children and youth have nearly tripled over the last quarter century (opposing views). I know schools are choosing healthier options for their students, but is that really enough? Personally, I think parents should be the ones to make sure their kids don't eat too much fast food. If you let your child eat whatever he wants and don't question it, there will likely be problems with unhealthy weight gain later on. Parents should lead by example. If mom and dad don't eat a lot of fast food they will copy your actions. In any case the decision is yours. It's your body and your life. Just point out that you don't want to deal with these problems, because you will regret it. I'm not saying you can't buy happy meals or sweet teas anymore, but you just need to be aware of the decisions you're making.