The Millennial Generation’s Health: Why an Apple a Day May Not Keep the Doctor Away

Thesis: The Millennial generation’s declining level of health can be attributed to poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, and participation in risky behaviors that contribute to the risk of diseases and cancer.

            Generation Y’s poor eating habits have resulted in a staggering number of overweight teens and young adults. It seems that the cute baby fat of the younger years seems to be lingering onto and through the teenage years. According to the former U.S. Assistant Surgeon General, Susan Blumenthal, “The obesity rate of young adults between 18 and 29 is more than 3 times higher than it was forty years ago,” (2). This statistic should not come as a surprise, considering the food industry’s distorted proportions; large is the new small, and super-sized seems to be the norm nowadays. The overall quality of food that our population has access to has drastically lessened. Without even leaving our cars, we can order a virtually endless amount of food; and have it made and put together for us within minutes. From the snacks in the school vending machines, to the food served in college dining halls, nutrition for Millennials has taken a downfall. “It’s everywhere; unhealthy food is as common as water,” Mary Garza, my roommate who is a self-proclaimed “health-nut” shared, “Fast food restaurants are everywhere. Without self-control, giving in to one is inevitable”. Even if one ventures out to make a healthy step in nutrition, the price of healthier food is significantly more elevated than less nutritious food; leaving the grocery shopper in the midst of a tough position. Theoretically, health should be the top priority for any individual, but with the economy leaving people saving every last dollar, the healthy option is not always the easiest option. According to the Journal of Nutrition, “The cost of fast foods fell by 12% and soft drinks became cheaper by 32%, making both more affordable to purchase,” (Powell 2). With prices of unhealthy foods and drinks so low, teens and young adults are often forced to make money a priority over health. Another shocking point that Blumenthal made in her article was the fact that, “A little over a quarter of young adults in this country do not meet the physical requirements to be in the military,” (3). If a person in their prime, at the supposed peak of physical performance cannot stay in average shape; what’s to say about their future health? Eric Boutin-Bloomberg, a freshman at the University of Houston, used to struggle with obesity himself. In response to being asked if obesity is a big deal in our society Eric said, “It’s an unfortunate truth, but our society judges based on weight, obesity is so rampant, it’s hard not to notice”. A problem only gets worse if a solution is not put into action. At the rate this generation is going the matured years of Millennials will be plagued with even more obesity and health problems than it is bearing through now; and if this generation’s level of health dwindles, what will be the fate of its children?