GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 307
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Obesity is a serious problem in many countries, especially in rich countries. Why this has happened? Discuss ways to solve the problem.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
With the shifting urban lifestyle, which involves a busy lifestyle but less physical activity, and the tremendous popularity of fast food, there have been accompanying issues with rising obesity rates – especially in developed countries like Britain, Australia and the USA. This essay will carefully analyse why obesity has risen so sharply in these countries, and then suggest a couple of ways to effectively confront the problem.
As for the reasons for such a serious epidemic of obesity in most rich countries, it is evident that people’s lifestyle has shifted dramatically from their ancestors. Unlike in the past, for example, people have to work for more than 50 hours a week and take a second (or sometimes a third) job to maintain soaring expenses and pace with the modern lifestyle. They are tired once they get back from the office and hardly have time to prepare a nutritious homemade meal and go out in the park to walk or run. Coupled with their habit of intaking fast food, and packaged foods, which are unbelievably popular, people’s average weight has increased drastically. Moreover, due to the rapid economic and social developments in these countries, industries of packaged food and junk food that contain little food value and a lot of sugar, saturated fats, salts and other harmful ingredients, have boomed. All these reasons have contributed to the epidemic of obesity in those affluent countries.
As for the solution to this severe problem related to obesity, we still have effective ways to fight it. Firstly, the authorities in such countries could put far more pressure on fast food outlets to provide healthy alternatives to pizzas, hamburgers, french fries and soft drinks and increase the taxes on junk food items. Secondly, the authority should make sure that each community have public parks, sports centres and other amenities, and should also launch vigorous awareness campaigns to stimulate people to take activities that involve exercise. Lastly, the offices could arrange some indoor sports and exercise facilities where employees spend a significant amount of time daily. As an example, some tech companies in Silicon Valley have a positive environment for the employees when it comes to encouraging them to take part in sports and exercise. As a result, they have witnessed some remarkable improvements in their workers’ overall health conditions.
In conclusion, obesity is a serious problem in many developed countries, but, it does not have to be like this. Proper initiatives and awareness can reduce this problem to a great extent.