Should We Put Obese People on a Mandatory Diet?

Kelly G., 14, GSIS

        Today, about 30% of the US population is obese and one of the biggest causes of death is diabetes. This problem in the US is getting worse and worse. However, is putting these obese people on a mandatory diet really the right option?

        Firstly, people have the right to eat whatever they want. This is a basic human right. If you put obese people on a mandatory diet, you are violating their right to eat whatever they want. The government should not have control over one’s private life and therefore should not infringe on one’s right to eat whatever he or she wants.

        Secondly, an obese person eating more unhealthy food does not affect anyone except themselves so why should they not be allowed to eat un healthy foods? If an obese person wanted to be healthier, wouldn’t they have started dieting for a more healthy lifestyle already? It is their own choice and decision what they do to themselves and is no one else’s decision to make.

        Thirdly, there are other alternative solutions such as giving obese people incentives (such as money) to go on a diet or taxing fast food, which would be more effective. Many obese people might want to lose weight but just need that “push” and giving obese people an incentive to go start eating more healthily would be that “push.” The government should encourage and influence a healthy and better lifestyle for obese people. It has a responsibility to shape society. Also, any money spent on reducing the number of obese people will be replaced by life savings for the health service.
        We should not put obese people on a mandatory diet because firstly, it infringes on their right to eat whatever they want to eat and the government should not have control over one’s personal and private lives. Secondly, an obese person eating more unhealthy food does not affect anyone except themselves. Thirdly, there are better alternatives, such as giving obese people an incentive (like money) to start eating more healthily so more money will be saved on healthcare. Therefore, we should not put obese people on a mandatory diet.