research proposals

Introduction

The world has changed in so many ways. For example, lifestyle changes have made people addicted to junk foods. There are a number of ways associated with the high consumption of junk food in society today. First, the internet has transformed many things. It now easy for anyone to purchase goods from anywhere without having to physically move to a store. Secondly, the number of fast-food restaurants has exponentially increased globally. It’s almost impossible to avoid these junks food since fast-food restaurants are situated in almost every corner of the streets. Junks foods, unlike regular foods, contain more salts, sugar not to mention they contain very less dietary fiber. In other words, junk foods have no nutritional value and according to medical professionals, there are extremely unhealthy. This paper discusses the impacts of junk food in society and how taxes can be used to regulate their consumption.

Scope of the problem and its effects

Junk foods have various side effects. Ideally, junk foods are prepared with spices that make it more palatable. The first effect is on energy levels. Constant consumption of fast foods results in the temptation to always eat more attributed to a spike in energy levels. People who consume fast foods regularly are at a high risk of sleep disorders. Obesity is the other major disadvantage of consuming junk foods. Obesity is an excessive weight gain caused by either environmental or genetic composition to an extent it’s almost impossible to control it. As aforementioned, fast foods contain excess fats and high levels of sugar contents. Excessive oil and calories make it hard to digest. As a result accumulation of oil in the body results to obesity. According to a survey by the Centre for Disease and Control, the number of obese people has profusely increased creating global concern (Febfast, 2014). Statistically, the majority of the people in America are obese.

According to Febfast (2014) obesity as a global concern is linked to non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart attack, and high blood pressure to mention a few. Additionally, people who take the pizza, soda and white bread as part of their diet are reported to face depression. Teenagers on the other hand consumer fast foods on regular basis. This has raised concerns for the government and other relevant agencies. In summary consumption of junk food has rendered many people ill and risks the lives of future generations. Considering people’s attitude and appetite for junk food and beverages in America and other parts of the world, the government needs to enact laws to regulate the industry. This can help regulate consumption of junk food considerably.

The need to regulate junk food and beverages

Conferring with Caraher, & Cowburn, (2005), imposition of tax on fast food as well as sugar-sweetened beverages can be used to discourage poor feeding habits and ultimately endorse a healthy lifestyle. The author’s main argument in the article is that society has adopted poor eating habits resulting in such lifestyle diseases as diabetes type 1 and 2 e.tc. According to a survey conducted by the WHO, many people across the world are suffering from diabetes. Future projections indicate that lifestyle diseases could pose a challenge in the future in the sense that there will be high demand for insulin internationally. To prevent global problems, consumption of fast foods can be regulated through the implementation of policies that dictate the costs and processing standards.

Through observation by The Lancet (2017), reports that fast food is highly consumed because it has amassed recognition political perspective. It is interesting that in spite of imbalanced nutritional content, most people prefer fast foods. First, society has transformed in the sense that people are always busy fulfilling their dreams. This leaves most people little or no time to exercise or cook regular food. At the same time mobility has been minimized by technology. In the past, people used to walk to shopping stores to purchase items. Currently, people purchase all type of products online. In other words, lifestyle has unimaginably changed. Most people are well aware of the health implications of junk food but continue to consume them. Conferring with xxx, these food items trigger an incentive system in the human brain, which heightens the desire to consume more.

Availability of junk food is another prime issue. There has been a rapid growth of the fast-food industry over the past years. Some of the world leading brands like McDonalds and KFC have expanded globally. This intertwined with current trends in food consumption risk the lives of people. The expansion of the middle population in most nations goes in tandem with the change in lifestyle coupled with urbanization. From this standpoint people, purchasing habits and consumption patterns have favored the expansion of fast-food industries.

High taxation of junk foods and regulatory measures to control the industry will curb sales and purchase of poor dietary foods. In any country, the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens. Taxation is a common way of regulating the mobility of certain goods and services. First, high taxation of fast foods means that consumers will have no choice but to turn to healthy feeding habits. High prices on goods also force people to keep their hand deeper an aspect that may not favor the majority. Due to the intricacy of this industry, an introduction of taxes is not enough since there majority of middle class and wealthy people who still prefer junk foods. As a result, the government should introduce measures to compel manufacturers to comply with certain rules. As it is now, most manufacturers do not comply with healthy standards rules in regard to production and processing of foods and beverages. Additionally, stringent measures on the industry will also hinder the rapid growth of fast-food restaurants. Xxx reinforces this idea by illustrating how various nations have recorded a recommendable decline in sales of fast foods. Mexico, for instance, has reduced the consumption of junk foods substantively through the introduction of taxes. As demonstrated by Febfast (2014), the sale of bottled water as opposed to sugary beverages has recorded an impressive decline in health conditions related consumption of junk food.

On top of this, the government can introduce other measures to mobilize exercise and creation awareness. These policies can be enshrined in the school curriculum to ensure students are taught about the effects of such phenomena. The youths make the highest number of regular fast food consumers. There the government should adopt policies in a learning institution that seeks to sensitize learners about the implication of such trends in society. Sharing the same thinking as Caraher, & Cowburn, (2005), the government should encourage exercises in society. This is also another approach to ensure a healthy community.

Conclusion

Nevertheless, the Lancet, (2017), argues that the hope for encouraging healthy feeding in society could be challenging. As a result, the government and relevant stakeholders need to address this issues is a comprehensive manner to ensure the life our future generation is safe. However, increasing prices of fast food have achieved tremendous results in many nations. High prices render low-income population incapable of purchasing junk food. Due to the psychological and political acceptance of junk food, Food Pomeranz et al, (2018) notes that the introduction of taxes on this food could lead to ugly riots. This has happened in some European nations where people reacted to the tax system in the food industry. Despite the importance of these issues, evidence also indicates that this is a very sensitive issue that may require a lot of deliberations.

References

Caraher, M., & Cowburn, G. (May 10, 2005). Taxing food: implications for public health nutrition. Public Health Nutrition: 8(8), 1242-1249. DOI:10.1079/PHN2005755

Febfast. (August 25, 2014). How Does Junk Food Contribute to our Obesity Epidemic? Retrieved from https://www.febfast.org.au/blog/how-does-junk-food-contribute-to-our-obesity-epidemic

Food Pomeranz, J., Wilde, P., Huang, Y., Micha, R., & Mozaffarian, D. (February, 2018). Legal and Administrative Feasibility of a Federal Junk and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax to Improve Diet. AJPH Law & Ethics, Vol. 108, No. 2.

The Lancet. (April, 2017). Sweet success: will sugar taxes improve health? Vol 5(4) p235 Retrieved from https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(17)30070-0/fulltext?code=lancet-site