Unknown Effects of Fast Foods on Health - Essay Example

Effects of Fast Foods on Health Introduction Fast food is a term given to foodstuff prepared and served in a hasty manner, and that is commonly found in restaurants. Fast foods are high in fat, sodium and sugar, which are a main determinant of obesity and other associated health problems such as diabetes, heart diseases and arthritis (NICE, 2006). These foods do not contain nutrients that are necessary to stay healthy. Moreover, they have inadequate amount of protein and carbohydrates, which are constituents of balanced diets. Effect of Fast Foods on Health There are several effects of fast food on health. Obesity is one of the major negative issues of fast food consumption in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world (NICE, 2006). In essence, the UK and other countries at hand have demonstrated much concern in the increase of an obese population in the past three decades. There has been connection between obesity, heart diseases, stroke, and diabetes. Other issues include some form of cancers, gout and gall bladder diseases. Moreover, unhealthy weight gain can lead to a sleeping disorder and osteoarthritis. According to NICE (2006), consumption of fast foods facilitates accelerated intake of cholesterol which is highly harmful to human beings. Molecules found in cholesterol attach themselves to the arteries leading to thickening or congestion. This congestion further leads to blood flow resulting in high blood pressure. Accumulation of cholesterol, especially in the main arteries, leads to heart attack or a worse situation of absolute heart failure. Fast foods have a high amount of the sodium related component which leads to hypertension and high blood pressure. Additionally, not any dosage of sodium is harmful. A healthy human being requires small amounts of sodium for bodily functions (NICE, 2006). Conversely, excessive amount of sodium leads to generation of fluids in persons suffering from liver cirrhosis, kidney ailments, heart failure, including high blood pressure. Given that fast foods are the quickest and simplest to prepare, there has been a tendency of people getting addicted to the nature of these foods, which is less tedious and is highly advertised by TV commercials (NICE, 2006). A high level of sugar found in these foods could lead to a spike of blood sugar and a sudden rush of euphoria leading to dependency on surges of insulin. Additionally, fast foods have been argued to cause food poisoning. This is because processed foods can sometimes be contaminated with manure, which consists of Salmonella and Escherichia Coli. E. Coli is difficult to treat because it is said to be the worst sort of food poisoning. Normally, they are treated with antibiotics, which serve as bacteria killers; nevertheless, the toxin that is produced further leads to renal failure. It is worth noting that what we eat affects our whole self physically and mentally, as well as the aspect of sexual health. Fatty acids that are found in these foods have the highest contribution to sexual dysfunction because they trigger biochemical changes, which in turn, affect the libido, sperm count and female ovulation (NICE, 2006). Aims/Objectives of the Research The primary purpose of this research is to assess the effects of fast foods on health. Specific objectives of the research include: 1. To find out benefits of eating balanced diet 2. To investigate factors that make people consume fast foods 3. To evaluate ways through which effects of fast food on health can be reduced Hypothesis 1. Fast foods have negative effects on human health 2. Fast foods have no effects on human health Research Plan, Methods and Techniques The current study will be conducted using descriptive, cross-sectional survey design. The study will target people affected by obesity, as the main respondents of the research. The study will utilize stratified random sampling to select appropriate respondents. The study will use questionnaire as the main tool of data collection (Bryman and Bell, 2003). Study Design Based on the researcher, a study that is quantitative will be conducted using a cross sectional design to ascertain the effects of fast foods that have led to obesity – a disease that has been associated with poor eating habits, especially in the UK. A questionnaire will be used to collect data from willing participants who have been affected by the health issue in one way or another (Bryman & Bell, 2003). Through this method, there will be assurance that the subject and data taken will be high regarded as those that do not have any amount of influence on the part of the researcher. Moreover, the approach places a high regard on the participant’s experience and opinion. A cross-sectional study design is the best for this research due to its descriptive nature as well as the ability to be fast and inexpensive. The information gathered will give an analysis in an easy and quick manner, pertaining to reasons for obesity in the UK, search for remedies appropriate for the affected persons, and offer guidelines on healthy eating (Bryman and Bell, 2003). However, this design has a disadvantage in that is bias susceptive. Study group may also not be equally represented. It can also not measure change in variable over time. Another disadvantage is that researcher has no alternative explanations. Sampling and recruitment Stratified sampling method will be crucial in the recruitment of thirty participants in consideration of time and resources. Sampling is defined as the procedure whereby a participant or a respondent is chosen from among a population bearing in mind certain peculiarities that are atypical to them (Bryman and Bell, 2003). A researcher may also put into consideration the accessibility and convenience of the participants without necessarily having to consider representation. Participation in this research requires filling the questionnaire in a time scale of approximately twenty minutes. Essentially, the participants are both males and females who are above 18 years of age (Bryman and Bell, 2003). They will be required to approach the questionnaire through answering the questions. However, participants are not compelled to participate in the researcher in case they are not willing. This method of data collection was considered ideal because it saves time. It also helps in providing fast hand information. However, this has a disadvantage in that it can not be useful when population can not be divided into disjoint subgroups. Data Collection The collection of data entails a self-administered questionnaire, (refer to appendix 1) which expounds on the assessment of the effects of fast foods on health and how they have affected the participants, especially in understanding the importance of eating the balanced diet. In addition, the questionnaire was prepared in relation to the information that was derived from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence of 2006, libraries and other health journals. The pieces gathered from these sources are then consolidated and used in making up literature necessarily for the research. The use of a questionnaire to conduct the study is expected to raise several disadvantages like participants experiencing difficulties when answering complex questions and their needing clarification which may not be easily available at times. The research also runs the risk of experiencing a potentially low rate of response if it uses questionnaires (Jones, I. 2003). Ethical Implication The focus of this study relates to benefits of use of management tools and techniques. The researcher must follow a stringent ethical code which aims at protecting the right of those who are willing to participate through the research process. The participants must be guaranteed that their responses will be treated with confidentiality (Bryman and Bell, 2003). Moreover, the participants need an assurance of having the liberty to withdraw from the study as they please at any time without facing any implications. Nonetheless, it is important for the researcher to maintain a good working relationship with participants to ensure that they are at ease while answering the questionnaire. Conclusion The addiction to fast foods is poisonous and could only be prevented by the strict use of healthy food, which implies a balanced diet and exercising regularly. It is indispensible to ensure that children and adolescents are discouraged from consuming these kinds of food as they greatly contribute to health diseases even at a tender age. Bibliography Bryman, A. and Bell, E., 2003. Business research methods. New York: Oxford University Press. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2006. Obesity: guidance on prevention, identification, assessment and management of overweight and obesity in adults and children. Clinical Guidance 43. London: NICE. Jones I., 2003. Research Methods for Sports Studies. Routledge. Appendix 1: Questionnaire This Questionnaire aims to collect data on the effects of fast foods on your health (Please tick where appropriate). Section A Date_________________________________________ i. SEX Male ( ) Female ( ) ii. Level of education a) Primary level b) Secondary level c) College level d) University level e) Post graduate level Section B 1. Which is your most preferred type of food a) Fast foods b) Balanced diet 2. What is the main health issue in UK and most of the countries all over the world? a) HIV/AIDS b) Malaria c) Tuberculosis d) Obesity e) Can’t tell 3. What is the principal encourager to consumption of fast foods? a) Occupation b) Economic hardship c) T.V commercials d) Lack of Knowledge. 4. To what extent does obesity affect your daily activities? a) Very low extent b) Low extent c) Large extent d) Very large extent 5. In your opinion, are there any benefits of eating a balanced diet? a) Yes b) No c) Can’t tell Read More