Introduction
The number of calories in a single can of soda or a single donut would surprise a number of persons, but many persons are unconcerned with the calorie count in their favorite fast food or snack. With each intake of these favorite snacks, children increase the likelihood of gaining excessive weight and of developing serious health related problems. The recent controversial debates on junk foods in schools has caused many persons to question the presence of junk in schools and the impact that this has on the lives of the younger population. Additionally, people worry about the nutritional value in junk food and the fact that junk food can easily become additive for not just children, but for everyone. The truth is that, with the alarming increase in the number of persons who have developed obesity, schools should ban junk food in order to help persons to develop healthy eating patterns that will take them into a healthy lifestyle as an adult. The ban on junk food, therefore, will help the general population as it would mean one less danger to be concerned with in the population.
First key Point: Junk food can lead to a number of health and weight related problems.
Evidence:
“Nearly 17 million U.S. children between the ages of 2 and 19 are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)” (Lincoff 3).
“The overall proportion of U.S. children who are overweight or obese has been holding steady at around 17%, according to government statistics” (Stobbe 4).
Second Key Point: Junk food can become addictive to many persons
Evidence:
“Food addiction is, quite simply, being addicted to junk food in the same way as drug addicts are addicted to drugs” (Gunnars 4)
“It involves the same areas in the brain the same neurotransmitters and many of the symptoms are identical” (Gunnars 5).
“The effects of certain foods on the brain can lead to downright addiction” (Gunnars 2).
Third Key Point: People need to recognize that junk food does not have nutritional values and should instead reach towards a nutritionally balanced diet.
Counter claim: Jennifer Van Hook (PhD) suggests that “There is no relationship between going to a middle school that sells junk food and gaining weight" (Donehy 4).
Counter claim: “Schools are probably not the main source of kids' junk food intake” (Doheny 4).
Claims: “Obesity experts who reviewed the findings for WebMD say that kids need a consistent message about healthy eating” (Donehy 5).
Fast foods lack nutritional components such as fiber, vitamins and Minerals that are essential for individual growth and development (Dray 4 – 5).
Conclusion:
Despite the growing number of persons who consume fast food because of the ease at which it offers meals, there is a concern that fast foods are responsible for the increase in the number of obesity. A healthy lifestyle starts in the home, but schools must reinforce this practice and ban junk foods.
References
Doheny, Kathleen, Does Junk Food in Schools Matter? (2012) WebMD Health News, Web 30
Mar 2016, Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD, <http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20120118/does-junk-food-schools-matter>
Dray, Tammy, What Nutrients Are Lacking in Fast Foods? (2015) Web 30 Mar 2016 <
http://www.livestrong.com/article/324105-what-nutrients-are-lacking-in-fast-foods/>
Gunnars, Kris, Food Addiction – A Serious Problem with a Simple Solution (2015) Web 30 Mar
2016 <https://authoritynutrition.com/how-to-overcome-food-addiction/>
Lincoff, Nina, New USDA Rules Ban 'Junk' Food in Schools (2014) Healthline News, <
http://www.healthline.com/health-news/new-rules-ban-junk-food-in-schools-041714>
Stobbe, Mike, Fewer school districts promote junk food, soda (2013) Associated Press, Web 30
Mar 2016 <http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/08/26/school-districts-junk-food-soda/2703007/>
