Health - Government Regulation vs. Personal Responsibility

Fast Food: Government Regulation vs Personal Responsibilities

By Denver Lo

Tobacco companies encourage smoking and advertising personal choice while downplaying the deadly effects of tobacco. In modern times, fast food follows a similar pattern, marketing unhealthy food options. As tobacco causes lung issues and cancer, fast food causes obesity and heart problems. Is fast food the new tobacco? In the past, the government has regulated the tobacco industry, requiring warning labels and others restrictions to purchase tobacco products. Should the government play the same role in the fast-food industry or should it remain a matter of personal responsibility?

 

                Fast food much like big tobacco, has manipulative science, marketing, and politics to keep consumers hooked on processed food, introducing a new public health crisis. Obesity is a serious and common issue in the United States. 2 in 5 U.S adults have obesity with many having other serious chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, the national obesity rates has tripled since the 1960s, comparing 13% in 1960 to 43% in 2018. Data from 2021 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS) lower-income American has a higher tendency for obesity compared to their higher-income counterpart, suggesting that access to food options play a part in health.

 

                In an article “Don’t Blame the Eater” by David Zinczenko, argues that the systems setup by the fast-food industry encourage the population to addictive unhealthy products. Fast-food exploits the vulnerable population by not disclosing information about their products. Lobbyists and other influences block enforcement and regulations on fast-food. If tobacco requires warning labels and advertising restrictions, why shouldn’t fast food? The government system should encourage healthier lifestyles by providing company transparency about product information and warn the public about the harmful effects of products. A systemic change in the fast-food industry would make the healthier options accessible and minimize the current health crisis.

               

                In the past, the Prohibition did not stop drinking, it makes people crave the restricted food more. Radley Balko’s “What You Eat is Your Business” argues that government intervention removes accountability, regulation and policies of individual health has created these issues. Government programs has disincentives the public to take care of their personal health, programs such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge a higher premium based on weight. The public has relied on the government to take care of personal issues. Individuals has become dependable on the government removing personal accountability from their actions, costing American tax dollars to fix the mistake of others. Instead, the government should work toward fostering responsibility and ownership of their own health and well-being. If we are personally responsibility for our health and cannot rely on others, we would make better choices on diet, exercise, and personal health.

 

                Information is always available on the internet, calories and product contents are public information. Finding the correct information may be a hassle but it is available. The tobacco consumption rate fell not just from warning labels, but a cultural shift that condemned tobacco use. But then again, food is a necessity and tobacco is not. While the government should ensure transparency and education about fast-food and health. The final decision is made by the individual and no law or regulation can control their decisions. Additionally, if we continue to talk about the removal of personal responsibility, should the government also regulate video games, TV shows, and other personal choice?

Reference:

Centers for Disease Control. Daniel Kim, Fusheng Wang, and Chrisa Arcan. 2018. Geographic Association Between Income Inequality and Obesity Among Adults in New York State. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2018/18_0217.htm

Statista. John Elfein. 2025. Obesity in the United States – Statistics & Facts. https://www.statista.com/topics/1005/obesity-and-overweight/#topicOverview

David Zinczenko. 2002. Don’t Blame the Eater.

Radley Balko. 2004. What You Eat is Your Business.

Centers for Disease Control. Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps. 2024. Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data-and-statistics/adult-obesity-prevalence-maps.html