Introduction: Junk Food Proving Expensive
Junk food proving expensive, both in terms of financial costs and long-term health consequences, as the societal burden of treating obesity-related illnesses continues to rise. There is no distinction between the elite and the proletariat class when it comes to the fondness for fast food establishments such as Burger King, McDonald’s, and KFC—each being a household name capable of evoking mouthwatering sensations merely with their mention. The term “junk food,” as defined by the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, refers to a type of “food that is high in calories but low in nutritional content” (“Merriam-Webster”). However, this definition only captures part of the essence, as some junk foods contain nutritional ingredients that compel doctors to advise their patients to relinquish their addiction to such fare.
Junk foods are, in reality, food items prepared through the processing of various ingredients, preservatives, additives, nutritional components, and natural colors. These foods are meticulously crafted to not only appear highly attractive but also to be irresistibly appetizing and delicious. Renowned nutritionist Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki coined the term “bliss point” to describe the chemists’ achievement in finding additives and natural colors designed to deceive the public. These chemically enhanced foods are labeled as “hyperpalatable,” a term used by Dr. Kessler—an authority on the impact of junk food on health. Kruszelnicki strongly criticizes these foods, emphasizing their capacity to create a taste that easily leads individuals into addiction due to their easy preparation, accessibility, and delectable flavors.
Despite the enticing features, junk food has become a popular indulgence for the public, exacting a toll in the form of detrimental effects on public health. Beyond being a financial burden, it contributes to obesity and the spread of diseases, underscoring the adverse consequences associated with its consumption.
Junk Food Proving Expensive
Junk food, often perceived as more affordable, is, in reality, not as economical as other food options, particularly when compared to organically cooked meals at home. This perspective is highlighted in an article by Mark Bittman published in The New York Times, titled “Is Junk Food Really Cheaper?” In this article, Bittman reveals that a burger at McDonald’s, although seemingly inexpensive, costs $14 and is only sufficient for a single person. In contrast, the same amount could be utilized to feed at least four to six individuals if spent on groceries and preparing meals at home. Bittman challenges assertions of cost-effectiveness made by others as “confident statements,” contending that such claims lack credibility because those making them often lack practical experience in home cooking.
Bittman emphasizes that home-cooked meals not only incur minimal costs but also offer freshness and nutrition that surpasses that of junk food from prominent brands. He supports this argument with statistics, asserting that the prevalence of fast food is more a matter of choice and financial considerations than it is about being economical and nutritious. Contrary to advertisements touting junk food as having fewer expenses and being healthy, Bittman counters that a home-cooked meal can easily surpass it in both calorie count and nutritional value. He states, “A meal of real food cooked at home can easily contain more calories, most of them of the ‘healthy’ variety” (Bittman), challenging the misconception that junk food is a cheaper and healthier alternative. In reality, he contends, it is more expensive and of lower quality compared to organically prepared foods at home.
Qualitywise Junk Food Proving Expensive
In addition to being costly and lacking in nutritional value, junk food contributes significantly to health problems, with obesity being a prominent issue. Obesity, defined as an excess of body weight detrimental to one’s health, is underscored by Data and Nicosia in their research article “Junk Food in Schools and Childhood Obesity.” The authors assert that the ready availability of junk food in school cafeterias and homes is a leading cause of obesity among school children. They attribute this issue to parental negligence, as parents permit their children to consume various types of junk foods, ultimately leading to obesity and the onset of complex health problems during adolescence (Data & Nicosia).
The obesity concern extends beyond children and teenagers, becoming a significant problem in the United States. This issue not only impacts the public but also places a burden on the government in terms of the budget allocated to promote public health. Recent statements have characterized obesity as a health crisis in the United States. Despite labeling all junk foods as affordable, Linda Carroll and Madelyn Fernstrom highlight their role in contributing to obesity, which has emerged as a major threat to both public health and the government’s budget (Carroll & Fernstrom).
Junk Food Proving Expensive Due to Issues
Obesity is not the sole health concern associated with junk food consumption. While obesity itself can lead to conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, and cardiac issues, junk food is also implicated in various complications, including anemia resulting from digestive issues. The extreme acidity present in junk food, owing to additives and chemical nutrients used to enhance palatability, can lead to digestive problems. Individuals addicted to foods like burgers often experience severe constipation and indigestion, contributing to the accumulation of excess fat around the abdomen and an increase in overall body weight.
Snoring, a prevalent issue in many households, has also been linked to excessive consumption of junk food. Cardiac problems can arise both in the presence of obesity and independently when junk food is consumed excessively. Kenneth Orel, in his article, eloquently states that indulging in junk food is akin to “eating yourself to death.” This metaphor reflects the use of edible chemicals, additives, and natural colors by renowned brands to attract customers in the name of taste and nutrition. Orel emphasizes that such ingredients not only create medical complications but also expose individuals to the risk of suffering from multiple diseases simultaneously, potentially leading to premature death for those addicted to junk food (Orel).
Junk Food Proving Expensive Due to Popularity
Nevertheless, an alternative perspective is presented by Derek Thompson in his article “Why is American Food So Cheap?” published in The Atlantic. Thompson contends that fast food or junk food is significantly more affordable than organic food cooked at home. He argues that the widespread production of organic food globally has propelled fast food into a popular choice due to its accessibility, ease of preparation, taste, and visually appealing characteristics. Thompson attributes this popularity to the use of cheaper vegetables in fast food preparation, which proves more economical than the cost of vegetables and beef steaks cooked at home (Thompson). While his argument has validity, it does not account for the inclusion of other costly factors such as various types of fast foods, chemicals, additives, and their long-term effects on health.
It is essential to recognize that the affordability of specific items, like French fries, does not imply that individuals with limited financial means will exclusively consume these items in every meal. Bittman and Carroll present more compelling arguments, criticizing junk food not only as an expensive option but also as a perilous choice for health due to various reasons.
Conclusion: Junk Food Proving Expensive
In short, while junk food undoubtedly possesses an appealing and colorful allure, it has failed to establish itself as a staple food in the long run. Despite the successful marketing strategies employed by top brands to capture public attention and favor, the inherent dangers associated with junk food have become increasingly evident. Contrary to claims from certain quarters suggesting that it is a cheaper and healthier option, it has proven to be a risky choice for mankind. Its expensive nature in comparison to organic food, contribution to obesity, and the onset of various health issues, challenge the notion that junk food is a cost-effective and wholesome dietary choice. Therefore, the argument asserting that junk food is neither cheap nor healthy is legitimate and supported by valid reasons.
Works Cited: Junk Food Proving Expensive
- Bittman, Mark. ” Is Junk Food Really Cheaper?” The New York Times. The New York Times. 24 Sep. 2011. Web. 25 April 2022.
- Caroll, Linda, Madelyn Fernstrom. “Cheap Food Blamed for America’s Obesity Crisis.” NBC News. NBC News. 22 May 2014. Web. 26 April 2022.
- Datar, Ashlesha, and Nancy Nicosia. “Junk Food in Schools and Childhood Obesity.” Journal of policy analysis and management : [the journal of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management] 31.2 (2012): 312–337. PMC. Web. 26 Apr. 2022.
- Kruszelnicki, Karl S. “Fast Food’s Tasty Tricks Keep You Eating.” ABC Science. ABC Science. 16 Oct. 2012. Web. 26 April 2022.
- Orel, Kenneth M. ” Eating Yourself to Death: The Junk Food Epidemic.” The Real Truth. The Real Truth. April 2015. Web. 25 April 2022.
- Thomspon, Derek. ” Why is American Food So Cheap?”. The Atlantic. The Atlantic.11 Jan. 2010. Web. 25 April 2022.
Relevant Questions About Junk Food Proving Expensive and Harmful for People
- How do the long-term health consequences of consuming junk food contribute to “Junk Food Proving Expensive,” and what impact does it have on the financial burden of healthcare systems?
- In what ways do the marketing and affordability of junk food contribute to its consumption, especially among lower-income populations, and how does this economic strain contribute to “Junk Food Proving Expensive” for individuals and families?
- To what extent does government policy address the economic and health consequences of widespread junk food consumption, and how effective are current regulatory measures in alleviating the issues associated with “Junk Food Proving Expensive”?
