Obesity has become an epidemic in today's society. Today, approximately 50% of Americans are considered overweight. Fast food consumption has contributed significantly to the 21st century debate. Chapter thirteen, titled “Is Fast Food the New Tobacco,” of the book They Say I Say, brings together authors discussing the debate over the link between fast food and obesity. The authors debate the effects of government on the fast food industry, as well as whether or not the fast food industry is responsible for the increase in obesity across America. While some people blame the fast food industry for the rise in obesity, others believe it is a personal responsibility to monitor what someone eats and make sure that he gets proper exercise. Bestselling author of Eat This, Not That, David Zinczenko's article "Don't Blame the Eater" blames the fast food industry for the growing obesity rate in the United States. Zinczenko's main idea is that fast food companies should put warning labels on all the foods they provide. Zinczenko believes that since health labels are placed on tobacco and canned food products, fast food industries should put labels on today's fast food. Discussions about the availability of fast food versus healthier alternatives were also brought up. Zinczenko claims that, once observed, a salad from a fast food restaurant could account for up to half of a person's daily calories (155). He believes that because of fast food, Americans are facing more health risks, including an insane increase in diabetes. Some agree with Zinczenko that fast food companies should be responsible for showing people the truth about their food. On the other hand, Radley Balko, a columnist for FoxNews.com, claims that fast food consumption...... middle of paper ......ff, Cathy Birkenstein, Russell Durst. New York. WW Norton, 2009. 206-210. Print.Engler, Yves. “Obesity: Much of the responsibility lies with businesses.” They say what I say. Ed. Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, Russell Durst. New York. WW Norton, 2009. 172-181. Print.Orbach, Susie. “Fat as a feminist issue.” They say what I say. Ed. Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, Russell Durst. New York. WW Norton, 2009. 200-205. Print. Schlosser, Eric. “Your trusted friends.” They say what I say. Ed. Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, Russell Durst. New York. WW Norton, 2009. 182-199. Print.Zinczenko, David. “Don’t blame the eater.” They say what I say. Ed. Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, Russell Durst. New York. WW Norton, 2009. 153-156. Printed. Goldstein, Hesh. Why there is an obesity epidemic. November 16, 2009. November 12. 2011 .