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Junk Food and Food Insecurity in Developing Countries
Abstract
Rapid population growth and urbanization is increasing challenges to maintain food security. In this
context, large multinational companies are coming forward to supply food to the whole world. They
are supplying junk food items that have attractive packaging and good taste with very low nutritive
value. These foods are getting popular due to time factor, taste factor and appealing advertisements.
Specially, school aged children are getting addicted to these foods which is hampering their growth
and development and are being vulnerable to non-communicable diseases. In developing countries,
this has added double burden of disease creating new challenge to the health system. This increasing
popularity is due to globalization and market liberalization in food marketing. To control its consumption,
huge capital expenditure in food marketing and false advertisement should be restricted. Meanwhile,
effective health promotion activities will help to create awareness about dietary needs among
general population.
... There is a growing evidence that JFC is a leading cause of preventable dietrelated diseases and untimely deaths (Vignola et al., 2021). Premature deaths and preventable illnesses from diet-related non-communicable diseases have also increased substantially around the globe, including in Nepal (Gupta et al., 2018;Neupane, 2014). It has negative health consequences for people of all ages and school children and teenagers are particularly more vulnerable (Neupane, 2014). ...
... Premature deaths and preventable illnesses from diet-related non-communicable diseases have also increased substantially around the globe, including in Nepal (Gupta et al., 2018;Neupane, 2014). It has negative health consequences for people of all ages and school children and teenagers are particularly more vulnerable (Neupane, 2014). These days, young people's nutritional behaviors have shifted away from homemade staple foods to industrially processed foods (Bohara et al., 2021;Upreti et al., 2021). ...
... These days, young people's nutritional behaviors have shifted away from homemade staple foods to industrially processed foods (Bohara et al., 2021;Upreti et al., 2021). Particularly, JFC has become a common snacking practice among SCA in Nepal (Neupane, 2014;Poudel et al., 2018;Poudel, 2018;Sapkota & Neupane, 2017;Upreti et al., 2020;Upreti et al., 2021). Evidence indicates that dietary habits acquired in childhood and adolescence persist throughout life. ...
Junk food consumption (JFC) is increasing and it is common mostly among schoolchildren and adolescents (SCA). The consequences of JFC have become a public health concern. The study aims to explore the factors associated with the JFC among SCA using socio-ecological model (SEM). Electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and bibliographic references were used to obtain the related papers following the standard process of identification, screening, eligibility assessment, study quality assessment, and data extraction from the selected articles. Strengthening the reporting of observational studies in the epidemiological (STROBE) checklist was used to assess the quality standards of the papers. Out of the 785 papers, we synthesized the results from 22 quantitative articles based on merits. The findings of the study indicate that JFC Behavior among the SCA is influenced by multilevel factors that extend from intrapersonal to public policy through interpersonal, organizational, and community levels. The results of the study suggest that more than two-thirds, more than one-third, near to one-third, and half of them supported with microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem constructs of the SEM respectively. However, age, sex/gender, taste and pleasure of eating junk food, knowledge of junk food and attitude towards dietary choices of the microsystem (individual factors) and mass media exposure and marketing strategies of the macrosystem (public policy factors) remain the most influencing systems. The results indicate that individual and public policy level constructs are important to explaining JFC among the SCA. This implies that the researchers and policymakers need to consider multilevel factors while designing and implementing the school-based nutrition education programme to promote healthy dietary outcomes in the SCA.
... Dietary habits developed during childhood and adolescence are sustained across the lifespan (Kelder et al., 1994). Young people's nutritional habits have shifted away from homemade staple foods to industrially processed foods (Neupane, 2014). In South Asia, diet-related non-communicable diseases have been going through considerable shifts over the past two decades, which indicates an epidemiological transition (Haokip and Sonika, 2016). ...
... The Nepali population's dietary patterns have also changed over the past 40 years (Subedi et al., 2017). As elsewhere, junk food consumption has become commonplace among schoolchildren in Nepal (Neupane, 2014;Poudel, 2018;Poudel et al., 2018;Sapkota and Neupane, 2017). Junk food may be attractive to schoolchildren because it provides quick energy, tastes good, is easily accessible, is portable, and saves parents' time to prepare (Arya and Mishra, 2013;Kotecha et al., 2013;Vaida, 2013). ...
... These foods are deficient in micronutrients (Ashakiran and Deepthi, 2012;Datar and Nicosia, 2012). Regular intake of junk foods might prevent children from eating healthy meals at home or school (Neupane, 2014). Eating unhealthy foods that have low nutritional value can place children and young people at risk of malnutrition. ...
Background
The consumption of industrially processed food, popularly known as junk food, is a growing public health concern worldwide, including in Nepal. Schoolchildren are a vulnerable group and they consume junk food at school.
Aim
The aim of this study was to examine multi-level determinants of junk food consumption among basic schoolchildren using the socio-ecological model as a framework.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among students ( n = 404), and a self-reported questionnaire was used to collect the data. The chi-square test and logistic regression were applied to analyse the results using SPSS version 26.
Results
Nearly half (47%) of the students reported that they consumed junk foods at snack time. Important variables for explaining junk food consumption were knowledge of food and nutrition—a micro-level determinant; sharing knowledge of food and nutrition with classmates at school—a meso-level determinant; grade of student—an exo-level determinant; and occupation of parents—a macro-level determinant. However, multivariate analysis found that knowledge of food and nutrition ( p < 0.05), and sharing knowledge of food and nutrition with classmates at school ( p < 0.05) were the significant predictors of junk food consumption.
Conclusions
Junk food consumption is common among basic-level students in the study schools. Multi-level determinants explain the factors associated with this behaviour, extending from micro to macro as the socio-ecological model asserts. This study points to the need for comprehensive school-based nutrition education that targets multiple levels of influence, focusing on active learning approaches to promote healthy dietary behaviour in students.
... 1,2 Junk foods make children addicted to such type of food and they deny eating homemade healthy food that decreases the consumption of nutritious food. [3][4][5][6] Junk food consumption and its negative consequences on health status are burning issue and leads to poor nutritional status which undermines the strength of children. 7,8 Despite multiple studies on junk food consumption, only a few studies have been conducted among children, especially in the age group of 5 to 9 years. ...
... Overall, accessibility and closeness to junk food outlets, food flavour, marketing, advertising, ease of access to junk food, urbanization, busy lifestyles, and boredom with traditional family food may all have an impact on the amount of junk food consumed. 4,25,[30][31][32][33] The study design has a limitation that it does not establish causality. As the study was conducted in metropolitan city, it may lack generalizability in rural setting. ...
Background: Consumption of junk food degrades the health status of people and is associated with low consumption of nutritious foods, which are essential for physical and mental growth. This study was carried out to find out the junk food consumption and its associated factors among young children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 352 school going children aged 5 to 9 years in Pokhara Metropolitan. Face to face interviews were done with one of the parents of the selected children with the help of a structured questionnaire. The study was done from March to October, 2020. Three or more consumption per week was categorized as high consumption of junk food. A descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis was performed. All inferential analyses were conducted at a 5% level of significance. Ethical approval was taken from the Nepal Health Research Council. Results: Among the study participants, 70.7% consumed junk food three or more times per week; 66.5% energy dense food, 20.7% consumed noodles; and 9.7% sugary drinks. Consumption of junk food was associated with presence of conventional shop near home,ways type of food provision at school and, food at home after school. Consumption of junk food was found higher among those who got money for food at school (AOR, 2.31), and those who took snacks at home after school (AOR, 12.86). Conclusions: Consumption of junk food among young children was remarkably high in the study area; concerned authorities should pay attention to dissociating such foods through policies and programs.Keywords: Children; junk food; Pokhara.
... With regard to cross tabulation of Residence and Education, students hailed from Urban areas, studying in Post graduation level responded more i.e., 57 (44) compared to students from rural areas i.e., 26 (21) respondents. Further students studying in Undergraduate level, hailed from urban areas were 28 (22) respondents and 17 (13) respondents from rural areas. The last row of the table depicts the cross tabulation of religion and type of family. ...
... The last row of the table depicts the cross tabulation of religion and type of family. Among the religion students from Hindu religion are found to be more, hailed from nuclear families and extended families i.e., 50 (39) and 12 (9) respondents respectively, followed by respondents from Christian religion i.e., 28 (22) and two (2) respondents from nuclear and extended families respectively. There were respondents from Buddhism, Muslim and Jains i.e., 23 (18), 12 (9) and one (1), respondents respectively. ...
Consuming junk food is increasing in a very rapid way nowadays. Junk food represents food which is quickly prepared and eaten outside the home. This type of food is easily and quickly prepared, however, it refers mainly to the food that is prepared from precooked or preheated ingredients then packed and sold in stores or restaurants. The adolescents prefer to have junk food rather homemade cooked food, because it is available readily, in their ngertips (online), and it is been served quickly, tasty and deliciously prepared were available within fraction of seconds. Therefore the youngsters are fond of junk food consumption without knowing its impact on health. The present study attempted to know the perception on junk food consumption among college students in Mysore city. The convenient sampling method was adopted to collect data from six colleges covering 128 students. Descriptive research design has been chosen to examine the knowledge and perception on junk food. In the result it is found that 93% respondents prefer to consume junk food, 64% respondents preferred evening, and 74% respondents favoured street food.
... This finding is consistent with those of the previous studies 7, 27,28 . Several studies have reported associated factors such as advertisement, marketing and fast service with the increasing obesity trends 29,30 . ...
Deterioration in health due to junk food consumption is a global concern, with adolescents at a greater risk. A cross-sectional study was conducted to understand the dynamics of junk food consumption with obesity in adolescent Tibetan girls (13-18 years; N = 276) of Himachal Pradesh, India. A pretested schedule and anthropometric measurements were used for data collection. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was done. The odds ratio was the determined. The study found that 45.28% of the girls consumed some form of junk food. Also, 25.4% and 16.3% were also centrally obese according to waist-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-height ratio (WHtR) respectively. Girls who consumed junk food were found to be at a greater risk (WHR: OR = 7.942, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.132-15.262; WHtR: OR = 3.652, 95% CI = 1.820-7.327 at P < 0.001) of developing abdominal obesity. Frequent consumption of junk food was found to be remarkably high (77.60%) among the studied population. It is of utmost importance to prioritize implementation programmes on healthy eating habits through various government and non-government agencies in order to improve health among adolescents.
... Acquiring nutritional requirements depends upon many factors, including how well healthy dietary habits are developed during the formative stage of life (Shrestha et al., 2020). Evidence indicates that dietary habits acquired at an early age persist across the lifespan (Kelder et al., 1994;Neupane, 2014); therefore, developing healthy nutritional behaviors is crucial for children. Healthy nutritional behaviors acquired during this age contribute not only to physical growth and cognitive development but also to ensure regular school attendance, thereby increasing the likelihood of positive learning outcomes (Acham et al., 2012;Ministry of Education and Sports and Ministry of Health and Population, 2006). ...
Dietary habits build on in the formative years persist across the lifespan; therefore, developing healthy nutritional behaviors is crucial among school-going children. The school education can be a powerful influence in modifying the nutritional behaviors of children. Available evidence indicates that school-based nutrition education may promote improved dietary behaviours of school children if it is integrated with motivation, action, and a supportive environment. This study aims to design, implement and evaluate a school-based participatory nutrition education program (SBPNEP) to transform the nutritional behavior of students through participatory action research (PAR). This study uses a transformative mixed-method design as part of the PAR methodology. Five coeducational community schools are selected from Chitwan district of Nepal following the inclusion criteria of NORHED Rupantran Project under Tribhuvan University. Among the five schools, one is selected as the 'action school' where intervention sessions will be implemented. The remaining four schools serve as the 'reference schools' where effective intervention components of the action school will be replicated. Basic school students, their parents, basic school science and health education teachers, and school leaders are the co-researchers of this study. Both quantitative tools and qualitative methods will be used to generate the data. Quantitative data will be analyzed using inferential statistics (bivariate and multivariate), whilst the interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) method will be used for meaning making process of the qualitative data. Three components of the intervention also said to be PAR cycles: sensitization and motivation', 'nutrition pedagogy' and 'creating a supportive environment for sustainability' will be implemented following an iterative process of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting of the PAR cycle. The effectiveness of the intervention activities will be evaluated under three phases: short-term, mid-term, and long-term.
... The distance to the grocery store and fast food outlet is also found to be associated with skipping breakfast and free lunch at school and irregular eating habits (29). Furthermore, good taste, advertisement, easy availability of fast foods, and marketing are also found to be associated (30,31). Other factors for growing fast food availability are increased earning, urbanization, busier lifestyle, fast service, assurance of food safety, and brands in China (32). ...
Background: Junk food consumption and its consequences has become a major public health concern globally because of its deteriorating health consequences and surging prevalence. Though its adverse health consequences are widely prevalent in all age groups, children and adolescents are more at risk. It may lead to obesity and act as a risk factor for different non-communicable diseases (NCD's) like heart diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, etc. This study was carried out to explore the junk food consumption and its associated factors among adolescent students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 538 adolescent students of Kaski district, Nepal. We used a stratified proportionate sampling technique to recruit the participants. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis was performed. The odds ratio was computed to test the association.
Results: The study found that more than half of the participants (60.30%) consumed junk foods over the last 30 days, more prevalent among public school participants (65.1%) followed by participants of private school (56.3%). More than half of the participants consumed salty snacks (58.7%) followed by sweets (57.5%). The time of consumption was found to be higher together with friends (83.9%). Similarly, it was consumed more while the participants were on a trip (70.1%). Consumption of junk foods was significantly associated with public school (OR: 1.44, CI = 1.01–2.06), single family (OR: 1.46, CI = 1.01–2.10), living with parents (OR: 1.64, CI = 1.03–2.63), while on travel (OR: 1.99, CI = 1.33–2.98), while reading (OR: 2.01, CI = 1.16–3.47), at home (OR: 2.20, CI = 1.53–3.16), at school (OR: 2.86, CI = 1.98–4.12), friends' influence (OR: 2.01, CI = 1.37–2.94), and junk food availability at home (OR: 1.92, CI = 1.33–2.76).
Conclusion: Consumption of junk foods among adolescent students was remarkably high in both public school and private school adolescents. Regardless of adequate knowledge on harmful consequences of junk foods, school-going adolescents are consuming junk foods due to its easy availability and ready-to-use packaging. The government of Nepal should strictly standardize and regulate advertising policies and extravagant health claims advertised by junk food manufacturers. An appropriate intervention targeted to adolescents to improve food behaviors is recommended.
... 15, 16 A growing body of literature reveals that consuming commercially processed instant foods and beverages, which are widely known as junk foods, have become common place among school children in both the urban and rural areas of Nepal. [16][17][18][19][20] A cross-sectional study conducted in Chitwan, indicates that snacking on junk foods was common among the secondary level students, 21 yet further evidence is needed to fill the knowledge gap on snacking behavior among the school children at the basic education level. ...
Consumption of unhealthy snack foods among young children in low-and-middle-income countries is high and Nepal is no exception. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 259 students to investigate their snacking behaviors and examine factors that influence the behavior from a socio-ecological framework. The study used self-reported questionnaires, food recall diaries, and participant observation forms to collect data. Students' snacking behavior was the dependent variable where as age, sex, grade, parent's education, parent's sources of income, religion, ethnicity, family type, and living arrangements were the independent variables. Chi-square test and logistic regression were applied to analyze the results. The main findings of the study indicate that 89 percentof students consumed school snacks regularly, including unhealthy snacks, which were either commercially prepared junk foods bought from nearby vending shops and grocery stores or deep-oil-fried snacks food prepared at the school canteen. Bivariate analysis shows that age, grade, father's education, and the student's religion were significantly associated with snacking behaviors of students. The multivariate analysis indicates that grade (aOR= 0.259, P < .05) and religion (aOR= 0.373, P < .05) were the significant predictors. The snacking behaviors among basic level students are influenced by multilevel factors, which is consistent with the socio-ecological model. The study's findings further suggest that comprehensive and effective school-based nutrition education interventions are necessary to promote healthy snack consumption behaviors of students.
... children. School children are getting habituated to eat junk foods which impedes their physical growth and cognitive development [6]. ...
Background: Junk food is a term for food that is of little nutritional value and often high in fat, sugar, salt, and calories. Junk food can have a detrimental effect on levels of energy and mental well-being. Consumption of large quantities of junk food is associated with a drastic reduction in the consumption of nutritious foods such as milk, fruits and vegetables. High revenues, rapid urbanization, free home delivery, mouthwatering commercials and foreign cuisines have led to growing trend in the consumption of junk food. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, prevalence, practice and influencing factors of junk food consumption among students of educational institutions of Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods: A Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Total 367 participants were selected from educational institutions of Kathmandu using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using Semi-structured Questionnaire by self-administered method. Findings: Around half (45.2%) of the respondent had poor level of knowledge, and only 19.1% of respondents had adequate knowledge regarding harmful effects of junk food consumption. All of the respondents had practice of junk food consumption. Research implications: The outcome of this study provides detailed understanding of not only knowledge, prevalence and practice of junk food consumption among students but also the reasons and influencing factors for students to consume junk food regardless of their knowledge on harmful effect and complications of junk food consumption. Practical Implications: The findings of this paper seeks to urge the concerned authorities to admit the fact that, the course with small topic regarding effects of junk food consumption alone cannot minimize the practice of junk food consumption among students, banning the advertisement which encourage the students to consume junk food is very crucial and to conduct the awareness programme regarding harmful effect of junk food consumption among all level of students through media and course work is necessary to prevent malnourishment and complications of junk food among students. Originality: This is the first survey regarding knowledge and practice on junk food consumption among students of educational institutions, and the area (educational institutions) were selected to collect the data from the students of various background (age, education level, ethnicity etc.) at same time, so that the results can be generalized among student.
'Eat healthy and live healthy' is one of the essential requirements for long life. Unfortunately, today's world has been adapted to a system of consumption of foods which has several adverse effects on health. Lifestyle changes has compelled us so much that one has so little time to really think what we are eating is right! Globalisation and urbanisation have greatly affected one's eating habits and forced many people to consume fancy and high calorie fast foods, popularly known as 'Junk foods'. Research into the possible health hazards on consumption of such high calorie foods has given an insight to avoid them, but unfortunately measures taken are not as effective as they need to be. Diseases like coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus have seen a profound rise in developing countries and such unhealthy junk food consumption is one of the notable factors to its contribution. This global problem of consuming junk food on a large scale and its impact on health needs emphasis and health education which can greatly contribute to its limited consumption and switching over to healthy eating habits for the better living. knowledge highlighting about the eating habits, nutritional aspects, quality of unhealthy foods, their health impact and preventive measures should be given to create awareness and render health education for a change towards good eating practices. Junk food and its impact on health have been reviewed from various resources and have been systematically presented, so as to emphasize its ill effects and measures to be adapted towards healthy living.
Background: Non-communicable diseases are becoming more prevalent in Nepal and many risk factors attributing to these diseases are behaviour-related and therefore preventable. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes among students of grade eight and nine in Kathmandu toward physical activity and diet and their knowledge about how it affects their health. Methods: We conducted four focus groups that included 24 students to explore knowledge and attitudes toward physical activity among them. Focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim later. Method described by K. Malterud, inspired by Giorgi's phenomenological method was used to analyze the transcribed material. Results: Participants considered physical activity to be benefi cial for health in many ways. They also believed that healthy food is important to avoid diseases. Several participants mentioned that a balanced lifestyle is essential for a healthy life. Conclusion: Though the students saw the importance of physical activity and a healthy diet to avoid diseases and stay healthy, most of them did not connect a lack of physical activity and unhealthy diet to possible noncommunicable diseases in the future.
In an article that forms part of the PLoS Medicine series on Big Food, guest editors David Stuckler and Marion Nestle lay out why more examination of the food industry is necessary, and offer three competing views on how public health professionals might engage with Big Food.
In the United States, one third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, yet food and beverage companies continue to target them with advertising for products that contribute to this obesity crisis.
When government restrictions on such advertising are proposed, the constitutional commercial speech doctrine is often invoked as a barrier to action. We explore incongruities between the legal justifications for the commercial speech doctrine and the psychological research on how food advertising affects young people.
A proper interpretation of the First Amendment should leave room for regulations to protect young people from advertising featuring calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods and beverages.
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