Fast Food Ban in L.A.?

The fast food industry is booming and Americans are growing larger with each passing year as obesity plagues the fast food nation. I have often found myself wondering when the government will step in and enforce regulations upon the fast food chains that are linked to the increasing health problems and outrageous rising health care costs in the United States. Just recently I found the answer to a question that has plagued me over that past few years.

Recently an L.A. official, council woman Jan Perry, proposed an ordinance to ban fast food restaurants, according to MSN.com . This ordinance would prohibit any more fast food restaurant chains from opening in the south side of the city of Los Angeles for the next two years. Currently, the south side of the city of Los Angeles is overwhelmed with fast food restaurants-a fact that I find very shocking, considering all of the beautiful people in L.A. The city is known for being home to Hollywood starlets, and the plastic surgery business is thriving. I much expected to see a city full of restaurants that cater to vegetarians and vegans. When I read the article on MSN.com, I was shocked to see that one of the most beautiful cities in the United States might be the first to actually have a fast food restaurant ban. Perry believes that the people in L.A. do not want the fast food restaurants, but due to convenience sake they might be drawn into them. A Times study reported that south L.A. has the "highest concentration" of fast food restaurants. Not only does south L.A. have a plethora of fast food restaurants, on average in the city of L.A. 30% of its people are obese! I find these figures to be very startling, considering the average statistic for obesity is at 23.3% in the county.

It is obvious to see that there will be controversy surrounding this proposed ban on fast food restaurants. Consumers feel that they are entitled to make their own choices when it comes to what they want to eat, whether it is at a fast food or at a sushi bar. Some health officials believe that the proposed ban is a good thing and that it will finally bring awareness to the rising obesity epidemic in the United States. Public health officials are applauding the proposed ban because they are concerned that these fast food diets are directly linked to the rising number of people with high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease-all conditions that are directly linked to poor diet and lack of exercise.

Whether you are for or against the ban, some facts still remain. Our country is being devastated by the obesity epidemic. Health care costs are rising and most Americans cannot afford health insurance because of the rapidly increasing rates. More and more people are dying from heart attacks, strokes, heart disease and all of these illnesses can be linked to poor food choices and lack of exercise. People do have the right to make choices, but the nation is suffering and so are our younger generations.