Being overweight may soon cost you more than just a dip in self-image. When Los Angeles recently put a ban on fast food restaurants, from opening outlets in an impoverished area of the city, the decision spurred a debate on where the local government should stop in its intervention in the public sphere. If the move gains popularity, you may soon have your favourite fast food being taken away! Do you think a rise in the number of obese people allows for authorities to intervene? And would such action have results?
A moratorium on new fast food outlets by the authorities would help curb obesity levels.
Nowadays, people eat a lot more fast food than before. They probably don't have many options because of the current lifestyle. That is why the government has to intervene at some level or the other. Banning fast food outlets from opening chains is in the interest of public health. While this ban may be annoying for corporations, they should try to provide healthier alternatives to the public.
– Joseph Anthony
Sharjah
A moratorium in itself is not sufficient. Such decisions will be successful only if they are accompanied by other efforts to decrease obesity levels. Fast food is cheap and easily available. The government should make healthier options cheap and accessible. This will encourage the public to stay away from junk food. Also, the government should try to involve the private sector in such initiatives as they can play a very important role.
– Anupam Birla
Dubai
Such a decision may be effective. However, fast food is part of our daily lives now. People cannot stay without it, so probably the government should take measures to reduce fast food consumption. But there may be other ways in which this can be achieved. People need to be educated about healthy eating habits, especially vegetarianism.
– Bharti Singh Jamwal
Sharjah
Nowadays, fast food has become a part of people's lifestyle and culture, which is why they hesitate to eat home-cooked food at work or otherwise. There is a need to change people's thinking and attitude. Government involvement is definitely welcome, but simply stopping people from eating fast food is not enough. People need to be educated about a good diet and benefits of exercising.
- Ignatius Roman D'souza
Dubai
It does not matter where you eat but depends on what you eat.
Food contains many nutrients like vitamins and minerals, as well as harmful elements. Each and every food item has fixed nutrient values, which are required by our body for normal functioning. So, what we eat will affect us based on its nutrient value and will benefit us accordingly. If we eat small quantities of high calorie food items, it would give sufficient energy to the body regardless of where we buy that food.
– Dheeraj Kumar
Dubai
Students generally spend their entire day at university, and are left with no choice but to eat at the food court. Normally, the variety of restaurants is limited at such places, with most of them offering fast food. That is why students settle with whatever is available. But this should not be a reason for complacency, and it is wise to choose the healthiest option and try and stay away from fast food. It is definitely not the best option.
– Amaan Khan
DubaiYour health always depends on what you eat based on the calorie content or fat percentage. The location never really matters as long as you are aware of the ingredients that go into the food. Personally, I do not take enough care of my diet and am not very health conscious when it comes to food. Because of the fast paced work environment, I usually end up eating fast food to save time.
– Murad Qubbaj
Dubai
I always take care of what I eat, regardless of where I am. That is why I prefer eating traditional Iraqi food even when I am at work. But change is always welcome, and I sometimes enjoy cuisines like Chinese and Indian. But I make it a point to avoid junk food and this habit helps me stay healthy.
– Mouawea Debsawi
Dubai
Parents are compelled to buy fast food because children prefer it to home-cooked food.
I have never been a fan of fast food since there are healthier options available. In my opinion, a home-cooked meal is always better because you can prepare it according to your taste and at the same time keep the nutrition level and calories in mind to help maintain a robust lifestyle. I always bring a box from home, since it is healthier and more economical.
– Shivaranjani Iver
Sharjah
I have been working for almost two months now, and I am already beginning to get sick of fast food. Since we are at work all day we don't have a choice but to eat at the food court. While we do try to avoid fast food, it offers a good change at times. When we were younger, we only ate fast food occasionally. However, today people have to compromise with having junk food more often.
– Michelle D'Souza
Dubai
A child's behaviour depends on how he or she has been brought up. If they get used to home-cooked food, they will enjoy it. The same logic applies to fast food. It depends on the parents' approach as well as lifestyle. My mother was a housewife and that is why she had the time to cook food at home. Today, most women are working and fast food becomes a convenient option for them.
– Mohammad Jamal
Dubai
Some parents prefer fast food for their children because it is an easy option. Both my parents work, so they didn't really force me to eat home-cooked food. Also, home-cooked food is not a necessity and my parents don't have a problem as long as what I eat is healthy. I also eat junk food once in a while, but I don't think it is harmful unless I overeat.
– John Rocha
Dubai
Countries should follow California's example and ban trans fats in public health interest.
In my opinion, home-cooked food is the ultimate choice. Fast food is basically all the wrong stuff put together. I would prefer eating a home-cooked meal to any other type of food. Even if I were eating at a food court, I would rather purchase a healthy meal, or Indian food. But if I had absolutely no choice, then I would resort to fast food for survival.
– Sangeeta Birla
Dubai
Fast food is definitely cheaper as compared to a healthier meal, but it is also a leading cause for the rise in the number of obesity cases. I agree it is convenient, but I would still choose a fresher option. I believe that people should take the initiative to eat healthy, instead of cheap and convenient. It might take an extra effort, but is better than the mass produced meals served at fast food restaurants.
– Melissa Hannigan
Dubai
Instead of imposing a ban, individuals should be given the right to choose. People should have the right to choose what they eat. However, they should also be smart enough to realise the implications of their diet on their health. Instead of banning fast food, the authorities should organise seminars and programs to raise public awareness. People should be given the right information to make the right decision.
– Salma Fayyaz
Dubai
Public health is the government's responsibility. While people have the right to choose what they eat, they do not have the right to affect children's health. Fast food affects health at a very young age and obesity is a very big problem today. Keeping children away from fast food can discourage unhealthy eating habits.
– Asma Khan
Dubai
