Poem: Kids & The Fat Trap

I heard on the news there's an obesity epidemic

we're all getting fatter and they really need to stem it

Cancers, heart disease, diabetes and more

to the extent that Social Services are knocking at the door

They say that over 70 kids have been taken into care

before obesity can kill them, they're going to get 'em out of there!

Nobody seems to give a damn about the overwhelming irony

that these kids are the end product of a hypocritical society

As a child it seems there's junk food lurking everywhere you go

at school, at youth club, Brownies too, I'm forever saying no

So tell me Mr Government, if you really care so deeply

why you're plying it behind the scenes whilst smiling oh so sweetly?

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In fact those trying to get healthy seem to be the ideal market

as our leisure centre told me they have vending machine targets

Even at the hospital purpose built to help the sick

it seems all you really care about is trying to get rich quick

Pizza Hut, Burger King, KFC & more

adorn the streets and shopping malls

enticing through their door...

In response our lovely government gives us "UK Change4Life"

and invited Nestle confectioners to join them for the ride

Discount deals on fizzy drinks and processed foods galore

Hang on Mr Government 
I thought the plan was less not more?

At the start of the Olympics, McDonalds came to town

along with Coca-Cola and they passed free samples down

The Tour de France was Haribo
cos "kids and grown-ups love it so"

their happy world means cash to blow

in return for seeing profits grow

You see the marketing for children is there to be sucked up

with lots of money changing hands, adverts at the World Cup

The British Heart Foundation

said parents are undermined

by sophisticated promotions, on TV and now online

They exploit all the loopholes in marketing regulations

insidious, pervasive tactics to con a whole new generation

Billions spent every year

Beyoncé advertising sodas

and the message is clear

junk food is fine

oh except when it's not

just eat in moderation

and know when to stop

The trouble as I see it with an obesity causing addiction,

is nothing can compare to it from natures own kitchen.

Products perfectly designed to make you want and crave them,

chemical concoctions of preservatives and flavourings.

The more refined and processed foods pervade our normal diet,

the more deficient and sluggish we become which makes it harder then to fight it.

So junk surrounds us everywhere, with billions spent to lure us

then the government turns around and blames it on consumers?

Seriously?

For real?

Go on, tell us another...

But please sort this mess out before another child loses his mother.