Banning Junk Food in School Essay Sample

“The percentage of children and teen obesity has more than tripled since the 1970’s” (CDC, 2021). Although obesity can be caused by numerous things such as lack of physical activity, genetics, or your metabolism, the things you eat have the largest impact on your weight. “Junk foods are loaded with sugars, calories, and fats resulting in weight gain” (Bajaj-Allianz, 2018). Even though kids tend to burn calories quickly, healthy food is a better option for schools.

Schools should limit junk food sales for many reasons: junk food causes weight gain. As you know the more junk food you consume the more likely you are going to gain weight. “As a result, obese adolescents are at risk of heart disease, type two diabetes, sleep apnoea, hip, and joint problems, asthma, and even some forms of cancer. Obesity puts adolescents at not only risk of physical health issues, but also mental health issues like poor self-esteem and depression” (Pereira, 2021). In addition eating well-balanced meals throughout the day that contains protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help reduce stress and weight gain. High protein meals are also more filling and are more likely to leave you satisfied.

Another reason we need to limit unhealthy food in schools is that junk food is addictive. What does addiction mean? “Addiction is a repetitive behavior that most find difficult to quit” (The New York Times, 2022). Addiction is most commonly used when describing a person's relationship with a substance such as cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs, but it is also commonly seen with junk food. For instance, when kids eat junk food they crave more and more, but why?  “As we eat junk food, the brain neurons pump out more and more dopamine, giving us a feeling of pleasure. When released, dopamine fits into receptors in the brain, much like a key fits into a lock, and when the fit is right the pleasure is sensed” (Kay, 2020). This is exactly what we should be trying to avoid, but schools continue to serve unhealthy food causing students to build unhealthy habits.

Lastly, junk food causes changes in your body which leads to depression. “A study by the Molecular Psychiatry journal has found that eating junk food increases the risk of depression… the researchers found that food that contains a large amount of fat, sugar, or was processed for too long (such as junk food) can cause inflammation in the body, otherwise known as systemic inflammation. Recent research shows that inflammation leads to an increased risk of depression” (Pavuka, 2020). According to the study, they found people who regularly eat fast food and sweets are 51% more likely to develop depression than those who don’t. In addition, as someone's depression grows so does the amount of junk food they consume.

If unhealthy food is so bad for you why do schools continue to serve it? Meal planning for schools is a very time-consuming and complicated process because the food they serve has to accommodate food restrictions students have one being nut allergies. Schools also have a budget which makes it difficult to purchase high-quality food that is also affordable. For example, have you ever noticed when you go to the grocery store healthier items like fruits and vegetables are more expensive than something like a bag of chips? This is because the quality of the product is higher along with its nutritional value. This is the same problem schools are faced with when they are purchasing their food. Another reason schools contribute to unhealthy eating is because junk food can provide quick energy. It can also replace a meal or help with an incomplete meal. To further explain the principal of a school in Flordia explains why he believes schools should sell junk food,” Without snacks, students may have trouble paying attention or even stay awake during class” (Carter, 2008). Although many people believe junk food is a helpful tool when trying to stay awake or even paying attention, I can assure you that they are wrong! There have been several studies conducted to discover how junk food affects students with their concentration, learning, mood, and overall performance. “95% of studies that have been conducted to determine whether or not junk food has a negative effect on students' academic performance have shown that junk food does in fact have a negative effect on students' attention span, ability to learn, etc”(India, 2019).

Although kids enjoy the sweet or savory flavors of junk food, healthier food is a much better option for their current and future health, which is why schools should reduce their junk food sales. As I stated before junk foods are loaded with sugars, calories, and fats which result in weight gain, addiction, and even depression. The next generations are in these cafeterias, we need to make sure we provide them with all the nutrients they need to make the world a better, safer, and healthier place.