Benefits and Disadvantages of Fast Food - Essay Example

?Table of Contents Introduction 2 Discussion 2 Conclusion 4 Appendix 6 References 7 Benefits and Disadvantages of Fast Food Introduction The term fast food means a convenient food, prepared quickly and served probably in a food restaurant. The foods termed as fast food may include pizzas containing cheese, French fries and fried chicken. This type of foods, often contain high fat content, low fibre and are not nutritious, in a addition to being served with soft drinks considered to contain high sugar level. It is necessary for individuals with a preference for fast foods to practice moderation in their intake of fast foods since; there are types of fast foods considered unhealthy and may result in health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, healthy options in terms of consuming fast foods are available in the forms of salads considered to contain low fat, skimmed milk or wholegrain bun (Schlosser 2001, p.6). On this note, this paper explores the benefits and disadvantages of consuming fast foods. Discussion According to a number of studies, people consume fast food because of its convenience , and the survey by IGA further concur that, many people fast food because they are situated in convenient areas. However, purchasing fast food often occur in an impulsive manner and in particular, among the youth. According to a survey conducted by Bryant and Dundes (2008, p.327), individuals are attracted to fast food as a result of their flavor and taste. In addition, the issue of price continues to attract individuals to fast food consumption, which is relatively cheaper compared to other types of food. In this modern day, more people are shifting away from food prepared at home and replacing homemade food with fast foods or pre-prepared meals. Fast food is viewed as beneficial in terms of convenience it offers to consumers. As a result of time scarcity, individuals lack enough free time and the increasing need for multitasking where eating today, may occur simultaneously with other work related activities. For example, it is a common occurrence today to find one eating while driving a car. This may be considered to increase negative dietary outcomes since eating while distracted, may increase intake (Bellisle, Dalix and Slama 2004, p.175). Further, fast food is beneficial in terms of bridging the gap created by a constantly changing food culture. In the world today, busy schedules for people have contributed to the issue of food being of less importance in individual’s daily interactions. The fast foods bridge the gap by enabling interactions while eating at the fast food joints (Ellen and Spur 2004, p.65). More companies are shifting into the business of fast food products because of the convenience and the ever increasing number of working class population with limited time to prepare homemade food. In addition, according to BIS Shrapnel(2003) more companies have increased their advertisements related to offering customers with more convenient and quicker way of eating without consuming time and money as highlighted in figure 1(appendix). Conversely, fast food contributes to a number of health problems or conditions that include heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. This type of food is unhealthy as a result of containing high cholesterol, fats and calories which, has been identified as the main risk factor contributing to obesity. In a country such as Korea for example, the high prevalence rate for obesity is as a result of consuming fast foods (Bryant and Dundes, 2008, p.328). On the other hand, in a country like Australia, more individuals are critical on the idea of consuming fast-food as evident from the public outburst in regard to the cricket team being sponsored by a fast-food company (Bellisle et al 2004, p.178). The negative of fast effects related to fast food and health, has led to a number of research on health conditions like obesity and consuming fast foods. According to Bellisle et al. (2004, p.180), the increased number of fast food locations and in particular within poorer districts in a country like Australia, contributes to higher prevalence for obesity. Further, the intake of fast food is result in a low intake of food considered healthy such as consuming vegetables. This trend continues to worsen especially when looking at the diets preferred by most people today. Bryant and Dundes(2008, p.329) further concur that, fast food consumption increases the risk of becoming overweight and research from various quarters confirms that the consumption of fast food increases energy intake. According to Bryant and Dundes (2008, p.330), one meal related to fast food and consumed once a week results in high energy intake of averagely 234.4 Kilojoules, in addition to weight gain averaging 0.72 kg. In a study conducted in the United States among adolescents consumption of fast food, participants who reported visiting fast food joint to eat exhibited poorer food choices and their energy intake, also increased as a result of consuming fast food. Further studies relate the consumption of fast food with unhealthy behaviors since, the consumption of a dense energy food increases sedentary activities such as viewing television on a frequent basis. On the same note, consuming food that is energy dense and engaging in activities considered low in terms of energy expenditure increases the risk of obesity. As illustrated in figure 2(appendix), the preference for fast food among the youth aged 20-39, contributes significantly to incidences of overweight and obesity (NHANES, 2010). Conclusion Eating patterns across the world continues to change with more people being attracted to fast food because of its convenience. However, individuals while consuming fast food needs to consider serious health issues related to the consumption of fast food currently identified as a major contributor to obesity. On the other hand, fast food companies need to provide their customers with healthier options or choices for fast food products. While fast food is beneficial to customers in terms of providing a quicker means of eating, consumers need to adopt a moderate habit in terms of consuming fast foods. Appendix Figure 1: The increasing rate on the advertisement of fast food Source: From BIS Shrapnel, 2003 Figure 2: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among youth aged 20-39, and consuming fast food Source: From National Health and Examination Survey, 2007-2010. References Bellisle, F., Dalix, A.M., and Slama, G., 2004.Non-food related environmental stimuli induce increased meal intake in healthy women: comparison of television viewing versus listening to a recorded story in laboratory settings. Appetite, Vol. 43(2) pp. 175-180. BIS Shrapnel, 2003. Fast food and eating out in Australia, 2003-2005 (press release). [Online] Avilable at: http://www. bis.com.au/verve/_resources/FastFoodPressRelease [Accessed 11/10/2013] Bryant, R., and Dundes, L., 2008. Fast food perceptions: A pilot study of college students in. Spain and the United States. Appetite, Vol. 51(2): pp.327-330. Ellen, G., and Spurr, S., 2004. Honk for Service: A Man, A Tray and the Glory Days of the Drive-In. St. Louis: Tray Days Publishing. NHANES, 2010. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2010. [Online] Avilable at: http://www www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes.htm [Accessed 11/10/2013] Schlosser, Eric (2001). Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. 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