Greetings class!
I would like to welcome you all, and thank you for being here to listen to my presentation about obesity in the U.S. As you all probably know, I am from Denmark, far away, across the Atlantic Ocean. You might know it better as just Europe. Different people, cultures and values. However, what most of the western world has had in common in the past couple of decades is the focus upon obesity among the population.
In the U.S., billions of dollars have been spent these last decades, trying to prevent people from living unhealthy lives; but has it had any impact? Actually, it has had some impact. For a long time the U.S. has held the title of the most obese among populous countries, but in 2013, the U.S. passed the torch to Mexico, placing the U.S. on a second place. Therefore, something must have happened in this past era. Do not get too excited though. Almost a third of the U.S. population is still considered obese and about 10 % of the U.S. medical budget are due to obesity. That is over 100 million people being considered obese! Think about that for a moment. 100 million. If the U.S. continues to grow in population, and nothing further actions are taken, imagine how big the U.S. medical bill will be in just 10 or 20 years.
Why is it that healthier food tends to cost more than fat or processed food? Why is it easier to find a fast-food restaurant than a grocery store that offers fresh fruit and vegetables, in many neighborhoods? Some would argue that it is simply cheaper and easier to produce the unhealthy food. Maybe that is just the way thing are, and it would make too much of a mess trying to overcome this problem. I think that the U.S. can overcome this epidemic. As the first lady, Michelle Obama, I agree that someone will have to pave the way towards a healthier United States of America. As she says in her speech, politicians, major business as Wal-Mart, educators and nationwide campaigns have already taken major steps towards the healthier U.S. I think that one of the most effective changes would be changing the excise taxes on fat and sugar, as we have done back in my home country. This will change the prices, making it more expensive for companies to produce the unhealthy food containing fat and sugar, and it would make it more economic lucrative to produce and sell healthier food. Furthermore, I agree with Michelle Obama, that a broad and inclusive engagement are needed to continue to make steady progress. Because it really is a steady progress. This is not a problem, which can be solved in a couple of months, not even a couple of years. We are talking generations, as it is a cultural problem.
As Michelle Obama mentions: no one has a greater impact on the future generations, than parents. I think that most people would agree, that we all want our children to be healthy and live long lives. Most parents know what to do: eat healthier, exercise more, change your bad habits. Because children will always reflect their parents behaviors and lifestyle in some ways. The best and easiest way to overcome this epidemic is to change ourselves. We are not forced in to buying unhealthy groceries or processed food. We all have a choice. Of course, sacrifices will have to be made. Spent less time in front of the television and spend that time in the kitchen, preparing a healthy and delicious meal for your family. Take your kids for a walk or a jog. Most of us already know what is best for our families and us; we just have to find the courage to change our customs and ourselves. If every American family changed for the better and every family were living healthy, the big companies would not make enough money to broadcast adds on the television confusing our children. The healthcare system would save as much as 150 billion dollars every year.
Well, I know it is not realistic that all of the population will suddenly change for the better. However, in theory, we all have the power to change the system and our lives for the better.
In conclusion, we all need to make changes. Changing the communities for easier access to grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities. We need to change within our families to inspire the younger generations towards a healthier future. Schools, companies and politicians have to keep up the good work they have been doing. I hope for a better future, and the only way to achieve it, is to work together.
You are all welcome to ask me any questions if you would like to. Thank you for your time.
(applause)

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[ 1 ]. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mexico-takes-title-of-most-obese-from-america/