Haley Hiatt
9/26/2013

The Marvin Walter Case

It's no secret that the media plays a huge role in the obesity crisis of America, and Marvin
Walter is no exception. There are constant advertisements for fast food on the television, and probably more importantly with this specific individual, the radio and billboards. As a truck driver for more than 35 years, Marvin Walter had definitely seen and heard his share of these advertisements. Considering the fact that he's a truck driver and spends most of his time on the road, it's easy to give in to the convienience of fast food when it's constantly around you. It states in the text that Marvin had been over weight as long as anyone could remember. that leads me to a list of questions. Did anyone ever encourage Marvin to seek out a healthier lifestyle, whether it be his family or friends? Or was his unhealthy appearance and lifestyle choice just accepted as norm? It is not uncommon for people within the truck driving profession to have a magnitude of health issues due to lack of exercise (constantly sitting in a driving position), and eating un-healthy food out of convienience, addiction and constant advertising. Education can also come in to the picture here. Considering Marvin's age, it's entirely possible that educating students on healthy eating and lifestyle, and the dangers of over processed, mass produced, and genetically engineered foods were not a priority. As a truck driver, Marvin was most likely not living a lavish life. He was part of the working class, and studies show that poverty and obesity are strongly linked to each other. It's much cheaper, easier, and more filling to go out and buy a dollar cheeseburger, than it is to go grocery shopping for healthy foods and pack