There are many theories about what has caused the obesity epidemic, but as a matter of fact many aspects come into play. For instance, food portions have gotten noticibly larger, specifically at fast food restaurants. Fast foods tend to be high in saturated fat, while being low in nutrients. The soft drinks often served with a meal are nothing more than a mixture of empty calories and sugar. ?A large fast food meal (double cheeseburger, french fries, soft drink, dessert) could contain 2200 calories, which, at 85 calories per mile, would require a full marathon to burn off (Ebbling).? That is a chilling thought knowing that the Food and Drug Administration insists that the average person eat only 2,000 calories a day. Not only are unhealthy food products available at any fast food restaurant, they are also being sold in schools. Low-funded schools sign contracts with large corporations for ?pouring? rights. While schools do make significant amounts of money, soda vending machines are placed in the hallways and fast food restuarants are set up in cafeterias for all too easy access for students. ?Some 30 percent of public high school cafeterias sell food from companies like Taco Bell, McDonald?s, Pizza Hut, and Domino?s Pizza.(Smolowe)?
