Increased Rate of Fast Food Consumption - Coursework Example

Name: Professor: Course: Date: Increased Rate of Fast Food Consumption Introduction In the current fast paced world, people are engaged in busy routines as well as busier social lifestyle. Consequently, it has been difficult for those working to take time and ensure that they prepare food or even wait for the meals in lavish restaurants (Papoutsi, 55). Therefore, most people in this community have decided to turn to fast food which is commonly referred to as the junk food in order to save them time, without thinking on the negative effects they have in the long run especially on their health. The essay will elaborate on the increased Rate of Fast Food ConsumptionApparently, it is understandable that such habits of eating can often be unavoidable based on individual circumstances. However, it is worthwhile that people should understand both advantages and disadvantages of taking fast food in the community in order to ensure they reduce the negative impacts on different facets of their life. The objective of this essay is to discuss both sides of the argument which include those that support taking of fast food and those that argue against this argument. Notably, junk food or fast food is the type of food that is prepared as well as served to different customers at very short notices, thus being termed “fast food” and “Junk” since is considered as so unhealthy. In order to make food “fast”, most of fast foods are prepared beforehand before being preheated or being precooked after orders have come up. All over the world, the popularity of fast foods is undeniable especially among the teenagers and working individuals (Jordan, 96). Some of the big chains that I have seen doing loads of business here in the community include Pizza Hut, Burger King, KFC, and McDonald’s. On this note, at a personal level, I have observed that the effect of increased usage of fast food is worrying to almost all ages in the community. Therefore, there is need for the societal at individual and community level to be cautious of health effects of fast food before they decide to take in these types of foods (Papoutsi, 65). Although there are many who argue that fast foods do not have any negative effects on any aspect of human life and thus can be used , this essay posit that junk foods must be avoided at all cost. Arguments For and Against Fast Foods According to those who support the consumption of fast food is that it helps in saving time for most of the working and busy individuals. At a personal level, I have interacted with my teenage friends and they argue that they are able to save a lot of time due to junk foods which they readily get from their favorite restaurants or shops. Studies conducted have shown that teenagers are increasingly enjoying taking junk foods as opposed to other traditional and healthy foods in the community due to ‘time factor” (Rosenheck , 535). Most of them argue that since they are studying in different colleges and educational institutions, they may not have time to pre-prepare food or they do not have avenues to do the same, thus preferring to take fast foods. The proponents of fast food consumption have noted that people need not go to grocery store to purchase ingredients and then come back to their homes for preparation of the meals. Notably, for those who may not cook, most of the time as well as energy go into the thankless work of washing vegetables and meat after washing the dishes. Further, some have argued that junk foods are instrumental in saving money for most people in the community (Papoutsi, 75). Although it has been controversial, but critical assessment of the foods prices have shown that most junk food is relatively economical as opposed to fine dining. At the same time, even cooked meals in extravagant homes can be heavy on the pocket compared to fast foods. On this basis, the proponents argue that one can utilize time on other more profitable engagements by not saving time and money on the food preparation. Although fast food has been known to contain unsafe preservatives, high calories, bad fat, and chemicals, the proponents of this type of food argue that this is only true to specific extent in the twenty first century. On this note, individuals are able to make healthy choices as well since most are nowadays conscious of their health than there before. They also argue that some fast food joints such as “Subway” have introduced healthy food options for their customers. However, this argument has been opposed by the opponents of fast food since most of those enjoying and taking these types of food have been introduced to them at their early age, thus becoming part of their life. In this way, they are not privy to the healthy side of nutrition and what they are taking in. Further, fast food has been termed as “On-the-go-Meals” for those travelling (Rosenheck, 535). Connectively, most of those supporting the consumption of junk food have argued that it plays a critical role in helping peel while traveling since they are available in almost every shop and restaurant. Important to note is that fast foods deliveries as well as drive-thrus have become part of the society. For example, people are able to enjoy their “food” while walking, working, watching movies and driving thus making fast food more preferable compared to taking traditional and more healthy meals. Finally, it has been argued that fast foods come in varieties and individuals in the community can make their own choices (Papoutsi, 76).Apparently, there has been wide variety of flavors and tastes from different cultures and designs. On this basis, lovers of fast foods have time to taste any variety on daily or monthly basis. Although this argument is correct, it must be remembered that more nutritious foods also come in wide ranging variety. Therefore, this argument does not hold any waters. Despite having the above argument supporting the consumption of fast foods, it must be noted that the opposing arguments carry more weight. Firstly, most fast foods are unhealthy for human consumption. In this way, they are considered as unhealthy food choice for anyone to make. Though some fast food joints have diversified their food options by offering healthier alternatives and choices, studies have shown that most fast foods are still “junk”. In fact fast foods such as burgers, French fries, as well as pizzas have high levels of calorie and salt content. At the same time, beverages and deserts such a cakes, ice creams, shakes and ice creams have sugars in high quantizes which has been known to contribute to blood sugars that leads up to diabetes among other related body complications. Crucially to note is that body loves string large quantities of carbohydrates as fatty deposits. Connectively, since it has been argued that fast foods are healthy, fast food restaurants and joints like provide upsizing their drinks and meals. On this basis, since human beings are generally greedy, most are unable to just let such an opportunity to go, thus opting to upsize their meals as well as eating more than they can digest. Consequently, this leads to higher levels of obesity cases as another negative effect as explained below. Apparently, obesity among the teenagers and children has been on the increase in the community. Evidently, obesity is one of the major global health problems that are due to the increased intake of fast foods, inactivity, among other reasons (Ogden, 21). Further, the problem of obesity has been is associated with body complications such as hypothyroidism, depression, and Cushing’s syndrome as well as the consumption of some antidepressant medications (Ogden, 11). Apparently, obesity result from the imbalance of body energy whereby too many carries are taken in by an individual while too little of the calories are getting burned. Critical to note is that the young people are the most at risk in the society (Kharusi, Huda Hamood Mohammed Al-, et al. 33). The alarming rate of young people reported to have lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular complications explains the current eating trend. Connectively, the intake of fast food has been “reinforced” by inactive lifestyle among the young people and population in general, which are also factors responsible for the obesity in the society. According to experts, although one may take fast foods, doing exercises is among the healthiest ways of breaking excessive calories, thus reducing the impacts of obesity. On this basis, it is advisable to ensure that fast foods are avoided to lead a healthy lifestyle. As noted above, fast foods have been known to contain preservatives and additives which lead to adverse effects on human health (Jordan, 66). Notably, some of these preservatives and additives are known to have carcinogenics which are believed to cause cancer. Important to note is that pizza and French fries may have high contents of sodium. If individual consume high quantities of sodium, they can suffer from cardiovascular issues and kidney problems. Besides, fast foods are generally known “low quality type of food”. On this basis, they are fast turning foods items that require quick preparation time (Jordan, 56). Therefore, most of food joints and restaurants have been involved in making of fast food in large quantities which naturally lowers the quality levels of meals. In fact, in this community, there have many cases of food joints being busted for being unhygienic which is also a recipe for diseases as their focus on making “fast food-fast profit”. Consequently, the low quality levels means that lovers of fast foods lack essential nutrients thus exposing them to wide range of malnutrition issues. Other negative effects of fast foods include hampering quality family time and encouraging bad eating habits. Conclusion In reference to the above arguments, it is clear that lovers of fast foods need to prioritize their health before other consideration such as time .On this basis, fast foods need to be avoided at all coast and necessary measures put in place to sensitize the community members on the negative effects of these types of foods. Works Cited Heinberg and J. Kevin Thompson. Youth and fast foods. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal 2009. Print Jordan Herman. Fast foods: Overweight and Obesity in America's children: Causes, Consequences, solutions. Los Angeles: 2008. Sage Publications. Ogden, J. The Psychology of Eating: From Healthy to Disordered Behavior. 2011. Hoboken: Wiley. Papoutsi, G. The problem of fast foods: A Survey. Journal of Economic Surveys. 2013. Print Kharusi, Huda Hamood Mohammed Al-, et al. "Factors Influencing the Level of Fast Food Consumption among Adolescents in Muscat, Oman." Middle East Journal of Family Medicine, vol. 10, no. 8, Sept. 2012, pp. 29-33. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.monroecc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db =a9h&AN=79698612&site=eds-live. Rosenheck, R. "Fast Food Consumption and Increased Caloric Intake: A Systematic Review of a Trajectory Towards Weight Gain and Obesity Risk." Obesity Reviews, vol. 9, no. 6, Nov. 2008, pp. 535-547. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/j.1467-789X.2008.00477.x. Read More