Effects of fast food on children
Effects of fast food on children
Contents
2 harms of fast food on children
3 ways to make baby food healthier
4 References
Fast food
By the twenty-first century, fast food became popular all over the world.
Also, eating junk food is very common among children.
According to the Food Data Institute at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, millennials only spend nearly 45% of their food outlays on eating meals outside the home.
It is worth noting that one of the biggest problems with fast food is that it is low in nutritional value.
Therefore, most people do not feel full when eating it, which makes them eat more quantities.
Another problem with fast food is making its eaters inclined to eat it instead of nutritious foods.
For example, people drink soft drinks that are usually served with fast food instead of natural juice, dairy products, or other healthy drinks.
Eating fried potato chips served with fast food replaces fruits and vegetables.
Side Effects of fast food on children
Fast food has many damages that affect children’s health in particular, and we mention the following:
1- Children gaining weight:
As some recent studies indicate that children may gain 2.73 kilograms per year due to eating fast food.
The fat, sugar, and salt in fast food are great for kids.
Also, fast food does not contain a lot of fiber, so children do not feel full when eating it, which causes them to eat more at a later time.
In addition, the large sizes of meals served in fast-food restaurants contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Eating fast food destroys the child’s diet.
Children who eat fast food eat more sugar-sweetened beverages instead of milk, vegetables and fruits
2- Decreased academic results in children:
As some previous studies have linked eating fast food in children to many health problems.
These studies also showed that the amount of fast food that children eat does not only affect health,
It may even affect academic growth and development as well.
The research team found that the more junk food children in fifth grade consumed, the worse they did on eighth-grade math and reading tests.
The results of some other studies revealed that children who ate fast food 4-6 times a week had 20% lower scores on math, reading, and science tests compared to children who did not eat any fast food.
Also, fast food has many harms that affect children and adults alike, and we mention the following:
3- Effects on the health of the digestive system and the heart and blood vessels:
Fast food is usually full of carbohydrates and may contain little fiber.
This may lead to frequent high blood sugar levels.
Consequently, insulin levels rise, which may disrupt the normal insulin response.
Thus, weight gain and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
4- It contains a large amount of sugar and fats:
As the amount of calories in fast food is very high, it contains a high percentage of added sugar,
In addition, soft drinks are rich in sugar, and it also contain unsaturated fats, which may increase levels of harmful cholesterol (LDL).
It lowers the levels of good (HDL) cholesterol in the blood, and thus increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
5- Rich in salts (sodium):
Eating too much salt may cause water retention, which is the reason for feeling bloated after a meal.
It is also dangerous for those who suffer from high blood pressure, as it may cause it to rise.
İmportant notice:
The content of the submitted articles, including all text, graphics, images, and other materials, is provided for educational purposes only.
The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice or professional diagnosis.
Moreover, the information on this website should not be taken as final medical advice in relation to any case or individual situation.
We strongly recommend that you always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health service provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition, your general health, or the health of your child.
References
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