OBESITY AND CORPORATE GREED; A DW DOCUMENTARY REVIEW.

This documentary explains how companies play a major role in health risky diseases and the focus has been put on obesity. according to the documentary posted on the DW documentary YouTube channel on 26th May 2022. Obesity is the number one universal health problem and it is also a manmade tragedy. Obesity may be a collective failure and not an individual one. It is a global phenomenon and not one country has stopped it. Almost two million people in the whole wide world have obesity; this includes both adults and children. As estimated by experts, by 2030 there might be obese children in the world. It is not a secret that we human beings mostly prefer convenience and things that are good to us rather than the things that are good for us. Having what we want instantly without breaking a sweat has a certain attractiveness , such that we get used to the pattern and eventually it becomes a habit. Just like bees and their flowers, the pull is there and is more applicable to the issue on unhealthy foods. The more companies produce these foods, the more they are consumed due to the increase in demand. The purpose of a business being to make profit, they produce more of these goods and the more the consumption, unhealthy habits develop daily hence putting more people’s health at risk. Obesity leads to development of diseases such as asthma, hypertension, stroke, cancer and cancer related diseases among other deadly diseases. Apparently, companies that produce these foods are the enablers of unhealthy lifestyle. Through the advertisements of unhealth foods most importantly junk foods which are consumed by majority of people worldwide. The companies manufacture or make these foods and drinks and calls them ‘refreshments.’ It is ironical because more than necessary consumption of such foods are a danger to our health. As much as it is an individual’s choice whether to consume healthy or unhealthy foods, it is usually a matter of convenience, affordability and access among other relating factors. Fast foods and junk are always cheaper and affordable also more often easier to reach or obtain. The gratification is a bonus for these foods hence consumed by large numbers of people. When people have a busy day, they get to nearest fast food station to get a takeout meal and most probably that food will not be a healthy meal. Also, making healthy meals is time consuming and expensive. You cannot compare the price of two small packets of biscuits and a glass of smoothie. The price range does not give the customer a chance to reconsider. Fast foods restaurants and shops with junk foods are always available regardless of where you go hence consumption is inevitable. I think that companies should also produce foods that are health friendly to give customers a chance to choose. It is also important for public health organisations to educate people on the importance of regulating intake if ‘unhealthy foods’ because it is impossible to stop manufacturing and producing them.

By Jedyne Tracy.