2014届高考英语一轮复习话题阅读素材53_高考复习指南

2014届高考英语一轮复习话题阅读素材53

Fast-food Culture Serves up Super-size Americans Stop blaming people or their genes -- it's an abundance of unhealthy, heavily advertised, low-cost food that underlies the nation's obesity crisis. America is overlooking the real cause of its ever-expanding waistline. The problem isn't so much people's lack of self-control. It's a toxic food environment" -- the strips of fast-food restaurants along America's roadways, the barrage of hamburger advertising on television and the rows of candies at the checkout counter of any given convenience store.

To be sure, genes and self-control play a role in obesity and the diabetes and other health problems that result. But, both face a losing battle against the ubiquity of bad food. Genetics is what permits the problem to occur, but environment is what drives it. The problem with medical and psychological interventions for individuals is that the costs of treatment outweigh the benefits, and weight-gain relapse rates remain high.

Of particular concern is America's passive acceptance of unhealthy food. Americans fail to Recognize, for example, the possible damage done by such fast-food icons as Ronald McDonald. Certain "toxic signs" are alarming: Innutritious foods reign. High-fat, high-sugar foods are widely available, taste good and cost less than healthier foods. Vending machines are ubiquitous, Kentucky Fried Chicken delivers and most fast-food outlets now serve breakfast. The food industry has run amok. Advertisements for prepackaged and fast foods saturate the airwaves, newspapers and magazines. Physical activity has declined. Most Americans get less exercise than ever -- walking less and driving more.