Title : Overconsumption of Junk food : A Growing Concern
Authors : Sakshi Wagh 125(MMS-B)
Swapnali Karande 82
Onkar Korpe 93
Introduction : The consumption of junk food has become a prevalent and concerning issue in modern society. Defined as food that is high in calories, sugar, salt, and fat but low in essential nutrients, junk food has infiltrated our diets and lifestyles, contributing to a range of health problems. From fast food burgers and fries to sugary snacks and soft drinks, the allure of convenience and taste often outweighs the long-term consequences of overconsumption. The negative impact of excessive junk food intake is increasingly evident across various age groups and socio-economic backgrounds. By examining the root causes and consequences of this phenomenon, we can better understand the urgency of promoting healthier eating habits and fostering a culture of informed food choices.
Objective : To examine the health consequences and societal impacts of overconsumption of junk food, highlighting the need for awareness and intervention strategies to promote healthier eating habits.
Literature review :
1) Junk Food Marketing to Children: A Growing Pandemic.
“The Other Pandemic: A Conceptual Framework and Future Research Directions of Junk Food Marketing” delves into the detrimental effects of aggressive marketing strategies employed by junk food companies. This groundbreaking study highlights the alarming rise in obesity rates worldwide, especially among children, due to the pervasive influence of these marketing tactics. By elucidating the various ways in which junk food is marketed to vulnerable populations, such as through digital and social media platforms, the authors shed light on the urgent need for regulatory measures to curb these practices. Furthermore, the research provides valuable insights into potential future directions for studying this issue, including exploring the role of cultural norms and societal influences on consumption patterns. Ultimately, “The Other Pandemic” serves as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and consumers alike to address this pressing public health crisis and work towards creating a healthier food environment for all.
2) Junk Food: The Health Hazard
Junk food refers to highly processed and calorie-dense foods that are low in nutrients and high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives. These types of foods typically provide little to no nutritional benefit and can have negative effects on overall health if consumed regularly. Common examples of junk food include fast food burgers, fries, sugary snacks, and soft drinks. Regular consumption of junk food has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. Despite their convenience and often appealing taste, it is important for individuals to limit their intake of junk food in order to maintain a balanced diet and support long-term health and well-being. Making healthier choices by opting for nutrient-rich whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is essential for promoting optimal nutrition and minimizing the harmful effects associated with consuming junk food.
Data Collection : For the above problem, 5 questions were framed to be answered on Likert Scale with 1 to 5 points. 100 students from Kohinoor Business School were surveyed and for each question which was coded as 1 to 5, Mean, Standard Deviation, Standard Error and T-stat was calculated.
|
|
Q 1 |
Q 2 |
Q 3 |
Q 4 |
Q 5 |
|
Mean |
2.64 |
3.61 |
1.81 |
1.88 |
2.45 |
|
Standard Deviation |
1.39 |
1.38 |
1.03 |
1.00 |
1.44 |
|
Standard Error |
0.13 |
0.12 |
0.09 |
0.09 |
0.13 |
|
t-stat |
-20.56 |
-19.85 |
-29.59 |
-30.24 |
-19.96 |
|
Results |
Negative |
Negative |
Negative |
Negative |
Negative |
Conclusion :
1.Students do not like to eat junk food daily.
2.Junk food doesn’t make student’s overweight .
3.Junk food is not easy to digest.
4.Junk food doesn’t contain nutritional values.
5.Students dose not prefer junk food over homemade food.
Reference :
B&T Weekly(2024) Junk Food. [s. l.], v. 56, n. 2583, p. 40, 2006. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=cde81263-cd16-3cfc-88e2-c4d7c146c100. Acesso em: 12 mar. 2024.
ERTZ et al (2024) states that The Other Pandemic: A Conceptual Framework and Future Research Directions of Junk Food Marketing to Children and Childhood Obesity. Journal of Macromarketing, [s. l.], v. 42, n. 1, p. 30–50, 2022. DOI 10.1177/02761467211054354. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=78502a0d-f7bf-3f31-9e53-17264f636a30. Acesso em: 12 mar. 2024.