Obesity has become an epidemic in today's society. Today, approximately 50% of Americans are considered overweight. Fast food consumption has made an important contribution to the twenty-first century debate. Chapter thirteen, titled “Fast Food is the New Tobacco,” in the book They Say I Say, consists of authors discussing the debate over the link between fast food and obesity. The authors discuss the effects of government on the fast food industry, along with the question of 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's a matter of personal responsibility to watch what someone eats and make sure they get adequate exercise. Author of the best-selling 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 have warning labels on all the food they provide. Zinczenko believes that since health labels are placed on tobacco and preserved food products, fast food industries should place labels on today's fast foods. Discussions have also been raised about the availability of fast food versus healthier alternatives. Zinczenko says that, if observed, a salad from a fast food restaurant could add up to half of someone's daily calories (155). According to him, because of fast food, Americans face greater health risks, including a dramatic increase in diabetes. Some agree with Zinczenko that fast food companies should be responsible for showing people the truth about their foods. On the other hand, FoxNews.com columnist Radley Balko says that fast food consumption... is the focus of the paper... ff, Cathy Birkenstein, Russel Durst. New York. W. W. Norton, 2009. 206-210. Print.Engler, Yves. “Obesity: companies are largely responsible”. They say I say. Ed. Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, Russel Durst. New York. W. W. Norton, 2009. 172-181. Print.Orbach, Susie. "Fat as a feminist issue." They say I say. Ed. Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, Russell Durst. New York. W. W. Norton, 2009. 200-205. Print.Schlosser, Eric. "Your trusted friends." They say I say. Ed. Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, Russell Durst. New York. W. W. Norton, 2009. 182-199. Print.Zinczenko, David. “Don't blame the eater.” They say I say. Ed. Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, Russell Durst. New York. W. W. Norton, 2009. 153-156. Print.Goldstein, Hesh. Because there is an obesity epidemic. November 16, 2009. November 12. 2011 .