Time and time again, the news will highlight a story about the obesity epidemic sweeping the nation. Although the media and health experts bombard the average person with quick and easy ways to eat healthier and exercise more, the source of the problem remains hidden behind closed doors. Before blaming eating habits, it is essential to take a closer look at what is being consumed. With the food industry changing rapidly, progress must be greeted with caution because “the way we eat has changed more in the last fifty years than in the last 10,000” (Pollan and Schlosser). It is easy for the common man to generally proclaim that we should eat “better,” but few actually do it. The average American has one of the worst diets in the world, even though the opportunities and variety of options are overwhelming. Food industries are deceptive by hiding the true production process of their food. Not only does the eye fail to see how the food was prepared, but there is also a false sense of variety in the food market. Wildly unbalanced American diets and genetically modified organisms both coexist to create a bigger problem than previously thought. Chemical advances in modern science contribute to “better,” faster, cheaper food production. Although the GMO (genetically modified organism) ideas that scientists thrive on are theoretically beneficial, they corrupt the natural methods of farming and food that consumers will purchase. Today, approximately 70% of foods contain a genetically modified ingredient. What is consumed en masse across the country in some cases barely constitutes food. A great example lies in the tomato. Tomatoes are sold all year round in grocery markets across the country....... middle of paper ......oo dominant to change their mode of production, but if the consumer who pays the money demands change, change will come. All of these obvious problems in the nation's food and diet pose the same question to everyone: "Are you willing to make an effort for change, or will you remain oblivious and blind to the ever-present problems?" ". Works Cited Bittman, Mark. “It’s the sugar, folks.” New York Times February 27, 2013: A29(L). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. May 4, 2014 “Dietary treatment of overweight and obesity”. Weight in America: Obesity, eating disorders, and other health risks. Barbara Wexler. 2012 ed. Detroit: Gale, 2013. Information Plus Reference Series. Opposing viewpoints in context. Internet. May 4, 2014 Kenner, Robert, dir. Food Inc. Magnolia Pictures, 2008. Film. Quillin, Patrick. “Cancer’s sweet tooth.” Nutrition Science News April 2000: n. page. Print.