The Negative Impact of Junk Food on Human Health - Research Paper Example

Introduction This study is seeks to create awareness to the general public about the negative impacts of the junk food. Majority of people in different age groups prefer to consume junk food, despite such foods not being good for their health. The bitter truth is that junk foods can negatively affect human health in many different ways although most people get it hard to resist the allure of junk foods. The reasons to influence people against eating junk foods are available for all to see. Obesity, hypertension and diabetes are some common diseases afflicting the society and are closely linked to eating of junk food. It is something abnormal for people to continue eating junk foods despite the availability of adequate knowledge about the negative impact of junk food on their wellbeing. Many food stores and restaurants do not care about their customers’ health as long as they like what they are offering. The fact is that customers should start by thinking about their health before they buy any type of food. No matter how tasty, cheap, or easily available a meal is; the most important consideration should be on human health. Most schools have been accused of serving unhealthy meals to their students, which is an act of irresponsibility as all children deserve to have a healthy food in their school menu (Dillon 17). If at all the contemporary society is keen on raising a healthy generation; it must begin by teaching its children to eat healthy foods. No parent wants their children fall ill, especially of preventable diseases. It is for this reason that most enlightened parents give their children home-made foods; which is a good idea and needs to be encouraged. However, it is not the best solution because these kids may get influenced based on what they see their friends eat while at school (Dillon 17). Moreover, since the responsible parents do not accompany their children to school, no one can stop them from sharing the unhealthy foods from friends. Research further indicates that some parents are so busy that they do not even have the time to make food for their children. This category of parents serves their children fast foods instead of cooking healthy meals for them. In most cases, parents give their children fast foods not because they are careless but rather because they lack of time to prepare home-made foods or they do not comprehend the negative impact of junk foods on their children’s health (Dillon 18). Social Historic and Intellectual Context of the Study Junk food is typically defined as foods with little nutritional value that are high in calories, fat, sugar, salt, or caffeine (Taber 1769). Junk food can include breakfast cereals, candies, chips, cookies, French fries, gum, hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, sodas, and most sweet desserts. According to Taber (1769), eating junk food can have a significant impact on one's health. Though most people enjoy eating junk food and think it tastes great, their health consequences can be devastating, and can range from low energy levels to excessive weight gain and illness (Taber 1772). The term "junk food" encompasses a fairly broad category of foods, but it typically refers to foods that are relatively high in caloric content, but low in nutritional value (Gardner 1). There are close to 50,000 fast food chains across the United States, with McDonalds being the largest restaurant chain (Atkinson 23). In the world, there are more than 500,000 fast food places. Children aged between 6 and 14 eat fast food 157,000,000 times every month (Atkinson 23). Ninety-six percent of kids in school could recognize an image of Ronald McDonald, the face of McDonalds demonstrating that children regularly visit fast food joints. The only other recognizable figure that ranked high was Santa Claus. Statistics show that American’s spend nearly $100 billion on fast food every year (Gardner 1). Significance of the subject This study should act as an eye opener to professional chefs who bear responsibility of preparing healthy foods to the populace. Moreover, legal experts and opinion leaders can use the findings of this study to initiate legal proceedings against restaurants or food stores that serve unhealthy foods to the unsuspecting customers. The study is also critical to doctors given that they deal with many patients suffering from diseases related to eating junk foods, such as diabetes. Restaurant managers may use the findings of this research since they have a responsibility to ensure that all their customers are eating healthy foods. Lastly, the general public may use this report to improve their health. Objective of Research The main objective of this study is to evaluate the negative impacts of junk foods on human health. The Research Questions: What are the negative health effects of eating junk foods? Why do people continue eating junk foods despite their negative effects on human health? What is the level of knowledge about the negative impacts of eating junk foods? Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is to get a clear understanding of the negative impacts of eating junk food as such information may act as a precaution for people to observe healthy dietary habits. Moreover, the study will help to influence policy decisions given that measures can be taken to avert this negative impacts based on the findings of this research. Lastly, the research forms a good background to create awareness in the public about the negative effects of junk foods. Methodology of the Study The purpose of the study is to inform people about the disadvantages of eating junk foods. The reason for conducting the study was to get a clear understanding of the dangers associated with consuming junk food as well as finding possible recommendation for further study. This study utilized document analysis as its research methodology of data collection. The researcher used the available information from all available documents to come up with concrete findings (Atkinson 27). In the study, the researcher used qualitative research method in assessing the meanings attached to participant’s behavior on junk foods. Qualitative research methodology assisted the researcher in understanding participants’ perspective regarding this particular type of food. The qualitative research method also assisted the researcher in analyzing the data collected from different sources (Walford 41). On the other hand, the researcher conducted interviews to different people in the area under study. Random sampling method was also used in selecting the research participants. Outcome/Results and Discussion From the study, it is clear that, the primary effect of eating junk food is its impact on energy levels. Many people skip breakfast and other important meals and instead choose to grab a quick snack or soft drink. In addition, junk foods can cause moodiness and make it difficult to get enough sleep, significantly reducing a person’s energy levels. Another disadvantage of eating Junk Food is rapid weight gain. Overweight always leads to obesity, especially among young people. Poor concentration level is another result of junk food habit. From the research, junk food has a negative impact on the human’s energy because it reduces the human energy production level. On the other hand, the research has proved that, junk food contains large amounts of fat. Continuous accumulates of fat in individual’s body does not only result to overweight but also increases the risk of obesity. The more the weight an individual gains, the higher the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart diseases, arthritis and heart attack among other complications. From the research findings, the high levels of fat and sodium in junk food also leads to high blood pressure or hypertension. Excessive dietary sodium can also have a negative effect on renal function, leading to kidney disease. In general, high levels of dietary fat leads to poor cognitive performance. Due to dietary sodium, an person may feel or have trouble in concentrating due to reduction in the level of oxygen in the body. From the study analysis, the high fat and cholesterol levels in most fast foods have been linked to a variety of heart problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, strokes and heart attacks. Overweight children are more prone to having high blood pressure than children who are not overweight. In most cases, high blood pressure does not portray immediate symptoms on children. High cholesterol level which is caused by too much fat buildup in the arteries, has no immediate symptoms, and can result to a stroke if left untreated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of five American teenagers has high cholesterol level in their bodies. The high saturated fat content in many fast foods constitutes the core cause of high cholesterol level among American teenagers. Additionally, the research has proved that, taking a lot of junk food results to breathing and metabolism complications. However, some negative effects on the body such as arthritis and sleep apnea can be reversed through weight loss. On the other hand, others complications such as asthma and diabetes do not have permanent cure. In 2009, the Office of the Surgeon in United States of America general notes indicated that, obesity increases individual chances of death from health problems such as heart disease, cancer and increased surgical risk. Pregnancy complications such as maternal hypertension, difficult delivery and birth defects are more likely in obese women than on other women. From the research findings, it is clear that, less serious but debilitating consequences of taking junk food by pregnant mother may include restricted mobility, arthritis pain and incontinence. According to Louise, by 2011, one major effect of fast food on children is carrying excess body fat. Weight gain can occur when a child eats fast food as many fast food meals have very high calories concentration. As a result of this, child who takes a lot of junk food can easily consume more calories than his/her body burns in a day. Over time, this caloric surplus may leads to weight gain and eventually obesity. The Penn State Children's Hospital recommends preventing and treating childhood obesity by providing a child with sweets and fast food in moderation, encouraging a child to eat breakfast each day to avoid overeating in the afternoon, and providing healthy snacks to sate hunger. If a child is already suffering from childhood obesity, parents are advised to consult a physician to determine an appropriate action plan to address the health concern. Limitations and Implications for Further Research The research has several limitations. To start with, there was limited time and resources to carry out a comprehensive research. Secondly, the research assistances were limited and less experienced to carry out a research of this magnitude. Preparation was also not adequate for the research. Some professional also declined to cooperate with us in carrying out the research. This study is about examining the disadvantages of eating junk food on the human health. However, more research is necessary to understand which among the two genders is highly affected by negative impact of junk food. The research to understand the economic impact of junk food is also necessary and relevant. Popular News and media In an article published on 28th June 2011 by Rachael Pamerance in New York Times in United States of America, rewards given to children in form of junk foods have a very severe impact on children health. According to Rachael, some sweet rewards such as cookies, chips, soda or "fruit" snacks, have a total of 300 to 500 calories which has a serious negative impact on children health. In normal circumstance, a typical 8-year-old child is expected to loss an additional 150 calories in an hour in a high-intensity sport activity. However, consumption of more calories reduces the level of calories loss in a child’s body. To counter the impact of excessive calories on children health, parents have a responsibility of ensuring that children do not take unnecessary calories from junk foods. According to Kennedy, more than 11 percent of Americans between the age of 20 and 26 are living with diabetes. Referring to the most recent information from the American Diabetes Association, the annual overall spending by the United States of America Department of Health on diabetes exceeds $200 billion annually. During the past decades, the benefits of technology and the gradual transition to a more service-oriented economy have shifted many Americans from active calorie-burning lifestyles to more sedentary fast food-focused routines. Among the results of these changes is the proliferation of lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetes that threaten to reverse progress achieved toward longer healthier life spans (Wolcott 79). Conclusion All indicators have proved that, junk food has a severe impact on the users’ health. Record from many health centers have pointed out the severe dangers associated with taking junk food. To address the problem, media and all other involved stakeholders have the responsibility of sensitizing the public on the dangers associated with consuming junk food. Referring to the research, fast food is a serious problem that has many disadvantages in the human health. In addition, taking care of human’s health is important for a healthy generation. Individuals should consider eating natural foods that are good for their health instead of destroying their health by eating fast food. Work cited Atkinson, Delamont. “Qualitative research traditions: A British response to Jacob.” Review of Educational Research, 2008, Vol. 58, no. 2, pp. 23-50. Dillon, Thale. "Too Much Junk Food and TV?’Obesity Epidemic' on Upward Trajectory." Montana Business Quarterly 47.4 (2009): 16-9. ABI/INFORM Complete. Web. 5 July 2012. Gardner, Amanda. "Doctors Urge Ban on Junk Food Ads during Kids' Shows." (Jun 2011), p. 1. (n.d.): Web. 5 July 2012. Rachael Pamerance. Junk food news, articles and information: Children's Cereal. Healthy Start or Junk Food. New York Times: Retrieved from www.naturalnews.com/junk_food.html Taber, Daniel R, PhD, MPH. "State Policies Targeting Junk Food In Schools: Racial/Ethnic Differences In The Effect Of Policy Change On Soda Consumption." vol. 101, no. 9 (Sep 2011), p. 1769-1775. (n.d.): Web. 5 July 2012. Walford, Wood. Doing Educational Research. London, Routledge. 2001 Wolcott, Harmfield. Transforming Qualitative Data: description, analysis, and interpretation, London: Sage. 2004 Read More