Here in the United States, the government has a great deal of influence and say in how people live their daily lives. Everything from things said on a cell phone to sites searched on the Internet to laws everyone must abide by, to say the government has a pretty decent amount of control over Americans' civil liberties would be an understatement. Yes, there is a certain level of freedom here found nowhere else in the world, but there is still some government intrusion. Therefore, it should surprise no one that the next step in the government's desire to exact some level of control and order over American society is through the food on people's plates. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, obesity levels among adults have increased from 13% in 1960 to 34% in 2008. In fact, it is predicted that by 2030, 42% of Americans will be obese and approximately 11% will be obese. will be. be morbidly obese, meaning they carry more than 100 pounds of excess weight (Marlow, 2012). Obesity remains a growing and worrying health problem. There are numerous consequences that arise from America's losing battle against the bulge. For starters, there's the skyrocketing health care costs that result from this problem. As more people die from diseases and conditions directly related to obesity, the cost of medical care to everyone will continue to rise. There are public health concerns related to obesity, and as the medical system continues to be challenged by both this issue and the growing needs of the excessively large baby boomer population; medical services will continue to be heavily taxed. Therefore, at what point should government intervene when it comes to nutri...... middle of paper ......rd of optimal health (The Economist, 2012). CONCLUSION The government forcing this by imposing heavy taxes on bad food is not the right way. The government should educate and encourage Americans who want to live a healthier lifestyle, but it should not intervene in any way to ensure that this happens. It tears at the fabric of what America is and only ensures that people will feel less obligated to enjoy the democratic union they live in and will instead begin to wonder what aspect of their lives the government will dabble in next. Works Cited Casella, Carol. “The government should change our rules, not the size of our seats.” Wall Street Journal. April 2013. 1-3.Marlow, Michael. “Government intervention will not solve our obesity problem.” US News & World Report. June 2012. 1-2. "The Nanny State's Biggest Test." The economist. December 2012. 1-2.