The Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA) is concerned that cases of obesity have been on the rise and this emanates from diverse complex factors that collectively influence the physical activity and nutrition choices of an individual. Moreover, GMA is concerned about the measures being taken to counter the rising obesity cases. For instance, GMA believes that burdensome restrictions like imposing taxes or banning particular foodstuffs will “do nothing to motivate students, parents or communities to take the needed steps…” (Katic, 2004). Additionally, GMA feels that the intensity of physical activity is dwindling as Katic (2004) laments, “an alarming number of students have little or no regular, daily physical activity.”
These observations are critical and as GMA concedes, causes of obesity are diverse and there is no all-inclusive answer to this problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (2009), causes of obesity include energy imbalance, little or no physical inactivity, genetic factors, and diseases like Cushing’s disease coupled with drugs like steroids. Nevertheless, CDC isolates poor eating habits (behavior) and little or no physical exercise (environment) as the chief causes of obesity.
The GMA is taking responsibility as a contributor to the obesity epidemic by conceding that it has a part to play. First, GMA agrees that its current products are not perfect in fighting obesity thus validating the current intense product development. Second, it has failed to convince consumers that calories matter in any diet. Nevertheless, GMA feels that restricting access to unhealthy food is not an answer towards combating obesity for ‘restrictions do not educate” (Katic, 2004).
However, after reading this release, I strongly feel that the industry is to blame for the increasing rates of obesity. Consumers take what manufacturers present and given the fact that these products do not come with sufficient information concerning calories value, the industry is to blame. Industries should protect their consumers by creating awareness on what is required for healthy living not just bombarding consumers with an advertisement after another with the sole aim of making profits. Health should precede profits.
It is not a crime to offer varieties and let consumers make their choices. Nevertheless, these choices should be informed choices to avoid unhealthy eating habits. Restricting manufacturers from offering a variety of products would be tantamount to breaching provisions of the free business environment. Moreover, it would be ludicrous to have only one variety of a product in the market. For instance, having one variety of bread in the market would be equivalent to negating the fact that people are not replicas and they have different tastes and preferences. Some people like white bread whilst others prefer brown bread. Moreover, one person will go for bread from one manufacturer while another person will choose a different manufacturer. This is acceptable for it allows and nurtures diversity, which is highly recommended in any healthy society.
The GMA’s press release is a step forward in the fight against obesity. By acknowledging that there is, a problem, highlighting the same, and recommending mitigation measures, is a big leap towards the realization of a society with diminished obesity cases. The first step towards recovery from any problem is admitting the existence of the problem. Denial serves only to intensify the problem. Therefore, the fact that GMA admits there is an obesity problem in society, opens the way to look for, and implement mitigation measures.
Reference List
CDC. (2009). Over Weight and Obesity. Web.
Katic, L. (2004). Testimony. Grocery Manufacturers Association. Web.