I submit the following report, “Obesity: The Effects of Processed Food” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Technical Report Writing. This report discusses the problem of obesity and how it is affected by eating processed food. Its purpose is to identify the importance of reduced processed food consumption to prevent the risks that may transpire through overconsumption, namely becoming obese.
With the research that has been done, one of the most important pieces of information discovered was that overconsumption of processed food has increased the cases of men and women who have contracted heart complications, and diseases such as diabetes. Most of these recorded cases are patients who are overweight or obese, which brings up the question as to why these cases are even possible despite the various health programs launched by the government. The conclusions and appendix are included. The information in this report should be helpful for people to understand the risks of obesity and processed foods, and why it is important to
Thank you to all the good researchers who provided me with great explanations of how obesity is developed through consumption of processed foods and the complications attached to this trend.
Processed foods have been considered the best alternative source of food as traditional food crops are now dwindling. These types of foods are often preferred by the public considering its time of preparation and it is cheaper as compared to traditional home cooked meals. However, many experts have pointed out that it is one of the major causes of the increased cases of obesity in many parts of the globe. As of today, processed foods are available in both pre-processed and fast food variants in cheaper prices.
From the early civilizations to present, the world has constantly moved forward and changed. Many traditions and activities have changed, as well as the lands which many structures now boasting the greatness of man's advancement. However, man's advancement has caused other negative changes as it has reduced the lands that could produce food. Like many other items that have been used to ease life, food was also transformed through science to become easily prepared or processed for easy cooking. People only tend to look at the packaging and forego understanding the contents of these processed and modified food alternatives. Obesity is currently considered caused by one's genetic makeup or by the things he or she eats.
Purpose
Due to the increasing concerns over obesity and why it is constantly increasing despite all health intervention programs set by the government and organizations, this paper will discuss the factors in which processed foods add up to the current obesity cases. Many people are unaware of the contents of processed foods, especially its health risks. This problem thereby serves as a reason why many are unaware as to why they become bigger despite their efforts to stay in shape. One of the goals of this paper is to educate and identify the effects of processed foods and why it is attached to the other social issue which is obesity.
Scope
A basic examination of how both alternating and direct current work in present day will show which type of electrical current is most efficient. The information will also show what the positive and negative outcomes are for using alternating or direct current.
PROCESSED FOODS AND OBESITY
Nature of Processed foods
It is most often than not that most food nowadays is presented in various fashions. Some are presented raw such as fruits and vegetables, others are cut down into pieces, and a few are preserved. However, the most common form that many people prefer to purchase in a fast manner is processed foods. According to Hayes and Laudan (2006) processed foods are foods that have been treated using chemicals or additives to put additional taste. Food processing has already been passed down since the early times as food is normally processed to enable consumers to stock food at home without spoiling. Techniques in processing food are also passed down since the early times such as smoking, salting, canning, and freezing, but there have been alternative methods to process food such as the use of gamma radiation. The normal misconception is that most food is processed, even traditionally prepared food at home. However, when people talk about “processed foods” in the current context, they are referring to foods that are processed in industries and large factories.
The history of processed foods can be traced back since the early sixteenth and seventeenth century, especially in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and several regions in the Asian region. Some common examples of processed food in those periods are tea, sugar, flour, spices, alcohol and even coffee. However, by the time of the Industrial Revolution in the mid-eighteenth to the nineteenth century, factories became prominent in these regions and made it possible to processed foods and put them in canned containers. Many people would purchase these canned products due to its affordability and storage life. When the first railroad tracks and modes of transportation have been developed, processing factories and plants were able to expand as they are now able to ship their processed foods across the region. Eventually, these food processing companies have slowly advertised their brands by putting their names. Pillsbury and Gold Metal are just two of the old food processing companies that have applied this method. Soon afterward, food processing became a large-scale enterprise and it also covered other types of processed food such as fish and produce.
By the time of the twentieth century, many people moved away from the rural areas and into the cities, causing food producers to diminish. In 1950, convenience foods were developed so that women no longer have to slave away countless hours to prepare meals for the family. Freezers also enabled women to store these convenience foods, which were also a form of processed foods. However, around the late 1950s, many were starting to see the disadvantages of too much processed food consumption. These concerns were amplified up to the present, since many are still purchasing processed foods due to its price and mode of preparation. Many concerns were directed on the additives these foods contain. Some were discovered to have side-effects such as allergic reactions and chemically dangerous content if digested. Most of these additives were banned, like the sweetener “cyclamate”, due to its capacity to produce carcinogens, known to cause cancer. However, cyclamate is still being disputed through studies it is noted to be free from cancerous chemicals. There are also concerns over the nutritional content processed foods as there might be chances the nutrition found in these foods have already evaporated upon the preparation of these processed foods .
Scholosser (2001) noted that the 1960s introduced the use of artificial flavoring in processed foods. These artificial flavors are noted to be the synthetic version of flavors that are distinctly odd for the taste. Since then, processing companies have tried to utilize natural food flavors to enable consumers to taste the original flavor from natural foods. However, these natural flavors would have to pass standards set by the Food and Drug Administration. Under the law, food additives or natural food must be derived from “natural sources”, ranging from herbs, fruits, meat, and roots. Majority of consumers concluded that these natural flavors are healthier as compared to artificial flavoring. However, this is contested by food science technologists as the term “natural flavor” refers to flavors that are created through the use of outdated technology, like those used for artificial flavoring. Studies have also pointed out that both natural and artificial flavorings contain chemicals that are normally banned for processed foods. One example Scholosser pointed out is Amyl acetate, found commonly in banana flavoring. Amyl acetate is normally distilled from bananas with the use of solvents. If this were to be placed in processed food, there is a chance that it may produce addicting effects that can trigger health complications . Today, it is still being debated as to how many effects additives in processed foods can be in the human body.
Obesity and Processed Foods
The problem of obesity has been felt by the entire globe since the early years of the Industrial Revolution up to the present. Both developed and developing countries have high cases of obesity in their regions caused by various factors. Lusted (2008) defined obesity as a condition wherein people have an increased body weight which is not relative to his or her height. However, this definition can still be contested as there are cases that becoming obese is caused by other factors such as genetic disorders, as well as their body structure. An obese person normally has an excessive body fat than lean body mass. Obesity is classified into three different categories – mild, moderate, or severe, which are normally influenced by factors like body weight, age, medical risks, and eating. For morbidly or severe obese patients, they are almost 100 pounds larger over their body weight as compared to other cases of obesity. In identifying the nature of the obesity, doctors also locate the highest location of body fat, as well as the circumference of the waist .
The causes of obesity may vary, depending on the nature of the person’s body structure or his eating habits. There are a few cases that obesity is due to genetic problems and conditions. However, many are pointing to the chances that obesity is caused by eating habits or factors that have been influenced by eating. This is seen in the market trends, especially in the introduction of processed foods. Mooney, Knox, and Schacht (2011) noted that most Americans consume processed foods from restaurants and fast-foods, which tends to contain more sugar and fats due to the additives used for flavoring and the oil it is cooked. Many experts have pointed out that fast food consumption is the major factor in weight gain and insulin resistance, thereby suggesting that chances of becoming obese can be from overconsumption of fast food.
Fast food consumption also is contributed to the increased cases of type-2 diabetes, another disease which can be caused by obesity. In addition to this problem, studies have also pointed that consumption of junk food such as chips and soft-drinks also causes obesity. Chips and soft-drinks are processed foods that are normally added with artificial coloring and flavoring, which is addicting for children. For children, ages 6 to 11, studies have shown that these children have consumed chips, popcorn, and soft-drinks each day and the numbers have continued to increase exponentially. Developing nations are also affected by this changing trend in food consumption or the nutrition transition. Nevertheless, this change in preference in food contributes to obesity cases and other diet-related diseases around the globe .
Studies have also proven, as noted by Heshmat (), that processed foods with high sugar and fats are quite addictive. As a consequence, many people are slowly becoming overweight due to over eating of this high sugar and high in fat foods. Studies have supported that these addictive contents are the main reason why obesity prevails in many regions. Aside from additional body weight, these processed foods with high sugar and high fat content can also affect the brain, especially the dopamine and opiate systems, which entices the person to continue eating even if he is full. Moods can also be influenced by these processed foods, which may be risky for those who have binge eating disorders. The studies have concluded that most food processing companies utilizes one’s desire to consume sugar and fat by entering the palate of natural foods offered every day .
According to Joshi (2002) the availability of processed foods and the preference of people to purchase these types of foods are also attributed to their socioeconomic capacity. For developing countries, for example, poverty is connected to malnutrition and hunger. For the United States, on the other hand, poverty is connected to those who are overweight or obese. The reason behind this is that high-calorie processed foods are more affordable for those in low and middle-class families, which is why it is preferred. There are also chances that these low-class families do not have access over large grocery markets, like those in the developing countries, and they can only rely on restaurants, fast-food chains, and convenience stores which only sell processed food. For those in the upper class, they are most at risk due to their capacity to purchase food which is unhealthy. In addition to this, most of the upper-class tends to have jobs that would only require minimum physical activity. It is most often that these upper-class individuals would hire maids to do their activities. With the addition of the food they eat and the lack of physical activity, their human body cannot properly digest the fats from the food they consume. Eventually, the fat is accumulated in the body, causing the body to become obese should it not be properly addressed. A person’s socioeconomic status also dictates his lifestyle and capacity to purchase luxury. Many people tend to purchase luxury foods such as processed foods, which are normally high in calories and carbohydrates .
Garde (2010) supports the notion that people tend to purchase processed foods because these types of foods are easier to prepare as compared to traditional home foods. However, she adds that, with processed foods readily available in the market, it gives people reason to buy more food than what is required. In Europe, for example, it has been noted in the study of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the European Union that although the region’s food supplies have increased, processed foods are still highly preferred in the market. This is one of the major reasons why the European Union, after the United States, has recorded increased cases of obesity. Garde also noted that balanced diets are not balanced as they are due to the calorie content it has. Reports have also supported that fruits and vegetables are no longer being consumed as stated by the World Health Organization. There is also the issue of price comparison between healthy and processed foods, which creates a rift for consumers. Nowadays, parents tend to reduce their expenditure by buying cheaper processed foods, thereby giving few options for food intake .
For children, as stated by Anderson and Butcher (2006), media have influenced their food preferences, which is why they purchase soft drinks and fast food. In their study, they pointed out that the effects of soft-drinks and fast food to children has contributed to their weight gain. Since the 1970s, children have increased their consumption of soft-drinks and fast food each year, contributing to childhood obesity. The reasons for this increase are due to the commercial advertisements, peer pressure, and the availability of these fast foods as compared to traditionally cooked meals. Eating establishments are also using tactics to entice children to purchase their menu offerings, by giving them reasons to try it out. Since nowadays, children are no longer supervised by their families, children opt to purchase foods not offered to them at home .
Conclusions
As noted by the studies above, processed foods are preferred by the public due to its cheap cost and easy preparation. However, overconsumption and preference to these foods can cause health risks such as obesity. Obesity has drastically increased since the inception of these processed foods, causing concerns over the health sector as to how these risks can be prevented considering the popularity of processed foods in the market.
1. Processed foods have been available in the market since the early sixteenth century.
2. Concerns over processed foods are concentrated on the food additives that can cause various health complications.
3. Obesity is related to the increase in body mass that can be attributed to consumption of food with high sugar/fat/oil content as those found in processed foods.
Recommendations
Despite the flavor and varieties offered by processed foods, it is still important to regulate the consumption and selling of these processed foods. Without regulation and selling guidelines, cases of obesity and health-related cases would continue to increase as more people would be at risk in developing obesity and diet-related diseases.
1. Before purchasing food, check the nutritional value located in the labels.
2. Schedule food purchases for both home-cooked and processed foods to provide alternative meals for families.
3. Engage in physical activities or sports regularly to burn down fat and trim down weight.
4. Regularly consult doctors in case
References
Anderson, P., & Butcher, K. (2006). Childhood Obesity: Trends and Potential Causes. In C. Paxson, Childhood Obesity: The Future of Children (pp. 19-46). Princeton: Brookings Institution Press.
Garde, A. (2010). Obesity Prevention: Role for the European Union. Alphen aan den Rijn: Kluwer Law International.
Hayes, D., & Laudan, R. (2006). Food and Nutrition/ Editorial Advisers. New York: Marshall Cavenedish.
Heshmat, S. (2011). Eating Behavior and Obesity: Behavioral Economics Strategies for Health Professionals. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
Joshi, S. (2002). Nutrition and Dietetics (2nd ed.). New Delhi: McGraw-Hill Publishing.
Lusted, M. A. (2008). Obesity and Food Policing. Edina: ABDO Publishing Group.
Mooney, L., Knox, D., & Schacht, C. (2011). Understanding Social Problems. Belmont: Wadsworth.
Schlosser, E. (2001). Fast food nation: the dark side of the all-American meal. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
