Investigating Snacking Behavior in Young Adults - Dissertation Example

Download file to see previous pages Snacking is prevalent in Northern Ireland, and the snack industry is booking as a result (BBC News 2004). In 2010, 83% of adults admitted to snacking, with almost a quarter of these spending at least £6 per week on snacks. Research shows that among these adults boredom, hunger and the need for excess energy are the most important reasons for snacking (Kantar Media 2010). Health in this region is also of significant concern, and in 1999, the country had the second-highest amount of deaths from coronary heart disease anywhere in the world. This disease is strongly linked to excess consumption of carbohydrates and weight gain (Warwick et al. 1999). This suggests that snacking is a significant problem in Northern Ireland. However, this information does not show the snacking behaviour of young adults in Northern Ireland.

Currently, there has been little research regarding what factors influence young adults to snack. If the variables that drive snacking are known, then it is possible to begin and develop methods of decreasing the amount that young adults snack. This is particularly important, as the eating habits that young adults develop often stay with them for the rest of their life (The Wichita Eagle 2010). Research suggests that an unhealthy diet during youth can have significant effects on health both immediately and in the future youth (Warwick et al. 1999). Consequently, it is important to understand what factors influence young adults to snack. Understanding these influences may provide important information to help reduce the prevalence of unhealthy snacking behaviour in young adults.

To propose a particular type of research it is important to examine the published literature, particularly that which was published recently. Understanding the findings of recent studies helps to determine what aspects have been studied and what have not been. In addition, it helps to identify potential areas of significance. For this study, the literature review will be used to determine the evidence for snacking being detrimental to health, whether some forms of snacking are able to be beneficial, and what factors influence snacking behaviour in all age groups. It is hoped that this information will help to determine the exact focus of this research and the methods that will be followed. ...Download file to see next pages Read More