CHILDHOOD CONSUMPTION OF FAST FOOD: A THREAT TO MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING

Author Name: 1. Yogesh Panchal, 2. Rakesh Kumar, 3. Palkin Kapil, 4. Dr Amandeep Kaur Bajwa, 5. Om Prakash Kumawat, 6. Sunita Thakur, 7. Aukshina, 8. Dr.G.Gomathy, 9. Geeta Badiger

Volume/Issue: 05/03

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/09.2024-79942924/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Associate Professor, MLB Govt. Paramedical Training College, Jhansi. yogesh.nsg@gmail.com
2. Associate Professor, Maharishi Dayanand Institute of Nursing, Chaudharywas, Hisar, Haryana. r.k.barupal94@gmail.com
3. Assistant Professor, Maharishi Dayanand Institute of Nursing, Chaudharywas, Hisar, Haryana. palkinkapil@gmail.com
4. Professor & HOD, Sri Guru Ram Das College of Nursing Vallah, Amritsar, Punjab. amanbajwa02@yahoo.com
5. Nursing Tutor, St Thomas College of Nursing Phagi. opk.11081992@gmail.com
6. Assistant Professor, Maharishi Dayanand Institute of Nursing, Chaudharywas, Hisar, Haryana. neetumandyal1234@gmail.com
7. Associate Professor, Baba Banda Bahadur college of Nursing Faridkot. sekhonaukshina@gmail.com
8. Principal, Welfare Institute of Nursing and Midwifery. goms68@gmail.com
9. Assistant Professor, New Ashwini Institute of Nursing sciences vijayapura Karnataka. gbadiger1045@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Fast food consumption has become a widespread phenomenon among children, with far-reaching consequences for their mental and physical health. This review article synthesizes the existing literature on the impact of fast food on children's health, highlighting the alarming effects on obesity, cognitive function, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life. Fast food consumption has become a pervasive aspect of modern childhood, with significant consequences for both physical and mental health. This review synthesizes the empirical evidence on the effects of fast food on children's health, revealing alarming associations with obesity, cognitive impairment, emotional problems, and increased risk of chronic diseases. The mechanisms underlying these effects, including nutrient imbalance, gut microbiome disruption, and environmental factors, are explored. The review highlights the urgent need for comprehensive interventions, including nutrition education, marketing restrictions, and policy initiatives, to mitigate the detrimental effects of fast food on children's health. By examining the complex relationships between fast food consumption and children's mental and physical wellbeing, this review aims to inform strategies for promoting healthier habits and reducing the burden of diet-related disorders in childhood. This review examines the impact of fast food on children's mental and physical health, revealing a disturbing link between frequent consumption and increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The high levels of processed ingredients, added sugars, and unhealthy fats in fast food are shown to disrupt gut microbiome, lead to hormonal imbalances, and trigger inflammation, ultimately affecting brain function and behavior. Furthermore, marketing tactics targeting children and the widespread availability of fast food contribute to overconsumption and unhealthy eating habits. This review highlights the urgent need for effective interventions, including education, policy changes, and community engagement, to mitigate the detrimental effects of fast food and promote healthier habits among children, ensuring a foundation for optimal mental and physical wellbeing.