Research paper, chidren and junk food, what is the most influential Essay

Research paper, chidren and junk food, what is the most influential environment on children' love for junk food - Essay Example In this context social environment includes political and economic aspects outside the family environment. The thesis of the paper states that the family unit is better placed to deal which children food behaviors given the fact that it can regulate the impacts of social environment. Family environment is said to have the most significance impact on the choices children make especially with regard to fast foods. Mothers with a preference of junk food especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding are likely to pass the same eating choices to their children. According to a research by University of Adelaide, children can be addicted to high-sugar diet through maternal influence. The research urges that fast food is responsible for production of dopamine, which is a feel-good hormone. It remains active among the children born to mothers with high levels of the hormone. Such children will have to eat higher amounts of junk food to achieve the same stimulation. The research suggested that junk food is addictive. Some parents fall short of resisting children demands. The end result is that they give them money to purchase junk food. Fast food should be balanced with healthy food. Parents are expected to resist unhealthy demands from children especially with regard to fast foods. The internet has had a significant impact on the home environment (Whitacre 39). Parents rarely encourage healthy lifestyles for their children. In the United States, many children have television sets in their bedrooms (Whitacre 33). A rising percentage of children between 6 and 17 are said to have exposure to unhealthy food through television influence. This has led to increase energy intake through junk food. According to AAP, children should not have television sets in their bedrooms. Research indicates that a large number of children do not eat meals together with their family in most days of the week. This is encourages unchecked food behavior among children. According to studies, health y eating behaviors are said to develop when families take meals together. It is estimated that food prepared at home is more nutritious that take away or fast food. Families are better placed to regulate sugar intake and access to drinking water. This improves the food environment and minimizes the effects of fast foods. Parents are better placed to regulate the movement of children. This means they can limit access to retail venues that offer fast foods. The level of exposure and parental guidance plays a major role in the health and eating habits of a child. Parental advice can make children less susceptible to fast food campaigns (Whitacre 29). Research indicates that children tend to have parental preferences. Yet, few parents take time to discuss eating habits with their children. This has caused the social environment to overwhelm the family environment is some instances. There is a massive compaign against fast food. Some parents have rejected some schools on the basis on die t alone. Parents can influence the school diet by choosing institutions that are sensitive to children healthy diet. A compelling example is the schools that ban sodas and sugar-sweetened food. The role of social environment is expansive. Fast food bans for children would be welcome. This would mean banning some fast food restaurants that target children. It would also encourage banning fast food in school environments. The number of fast food chains has been increasing. The restaurants are available in local environments. Most of the choices