Discussion

You exam assignment asks you to consider to what extent society is to blame for unhealthy living. Sarah Boseley’s article “How Britain got so fat” argues that many segments of society are responsible for people’s unhealthy living and the growing obesity rates.

Firstly, the writer suggests that the media is partially responsible for turning obesity into an entertainment topic. The writer suggests this through the case story of Georgia Davis, who appeared in the tabloid paper The Sun in exchange for money and who continues to have a contract with the paper: “Georgia was 15 when she first hit the front page of The Sun, weighing more than 200kg (32 stone) and branded Britain's fattest teen.” (ll. 86-86); “Georgia sold her story to the tabloids and TV to get the money to go to a weight-loss camp in North Carolina...” (ll. 104-106).

Secondly, Boseley argues that politicians’ lack of action perpetuates the problem of obesity in Britain: “…politicians to avoid the issues or offer half-hearted responses; above all else, it enables them to avoid what they fear would be a damaging confrontation with the powerful economic players within the food and drink industry.” (ll. 130-135).

The writer suggests that politicians are afraid of the food industry and of losing votes, or that they are corrupte...