Task 2: Scientists agree that people are damaging their health by eating too much junk food.
Some
people think the answer to this problem is to educate people. Others think education will not
work. Discuss both views and give your opinion
Fast food has been proven to be the main culprit of obesity and other diet-related diseases, however,
the habit of eating an excessive amount of fast food has never lost momentum. One school of
thought holds that education can rectify this situation. However, there is still much skepticism about
the effect of education. In the essay, both of these viewpoints will be analysed before presenting my
own ideas.
On the one hand, people have no idea of their daily intake of carbohydrates or fats due to the lack
of education on this matter. Both are present in higher quantity in all types of junk food. From my
perspective, although many eat fast food because of its affordability, the root cause of this lies in the
fact that they are not adequately educated about the damaging consequences of junk food
consumption and the absolute necessary of healthy diet. According to recent studies conducted in
the neighbourhoods where fast food stores are easily accessible, more than two-quarters of the
residents know or care little about what they are consuming and how it can affect their health.
On the other hand, some people doubt the effectiveness of education for certain reasons. To begin
with, despite being aware of the negative effects of fast food, many people who are too busy persist
in eating it due to its being convenient and time-saving. In this case, education hardly makes a
difference because the root of the problem is not the lack of education but the convenience and
readiness of fast food has outweighed the downsides. In addition, compared with the wide range
and availability of fast-food stores and menus, healthy food is seriously limited. Furthermore,
healthy food is commonly inferior to fast food in terms of taste and prices as a matter of fact. As a
result, however convincing education is, it is almost impossible for people to change their eating
habits without a ready alternative to their unhealthy food choices.
To conclude, launching educational and awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of junk
food is certainly beneficial; however, that alone is unlikely to reduce the consumption of junk food
because lack of awareness is rarely the reason that encourages people to eat junk food. A better
solution is to make healthy food readily available.
There is widespread consensus among scientists that the overconsumption of junk food is
detrimental to health, contributing to serious issues such as obesity, diabetes, and
cardiovascular diseases. While some argue that educating the public about these risks could
be the key to solving the problem, others believe that education alone is insufficient to drive
meaningful change. This essay will discuss both viewpoints before offering a personal
perspective.
On one hand, supporters of education argue that raising awareness about the dangers of junk
food can significantly influence people’s eating habits. By informing the public about the
long-term consequences of consuming unhealthy foods, such as their role in the rise of
chronic diseases, individuals may be more likely to make healthier choices. For example, the
implementation of nutritional labeling on food packaging and various public health
campaigns have already led to positive shifts in the eating behaviors of certain populations. In
this sense, such knowledge acts as a powerful tool that can empower individuals to take
control of their health and well-being. When people understand the adverse effects of their
food choices, they are, therefore, more likely to opt for healthier alternatives.
However, critics argue that education alone is unlikely to solve the problem. This is becuase
human behavior is influenced by many factors, and despite knowing the risks associated with
junk food, many continue to indulge in it. This is often due to the convenience of fast food,
its affordability, and its appealing taste. Moreover, the powerful influence of advertising,
particularly targeting children, plays a significant role in shaping people’s preferences. In
addition, socioeconomic factors must also be considered, as unhealthy food is often cheaper
and more accessible than nutritious options. For example, in low-income areas, families may
find it easier and more affordable to purchase processed foods rather than fresh fruits and
vegetables. Therefore, without systemic changes, such as government regulations on food
marketing and policies that make healthy food more accessible, education may have a limited
impact.
In my opinion, while education is undoubtedly crucial, it should be part of a larger, holistic
strategy. Governments must introduce policy reforms that focus not only on raising
awareness but also on improving the availability of healthy foods and regulating harmful
advertising. Only through a combination of knowledge, public policy, and improved
access can we hope to address the growing health problems linked to junk food consumption
effectively.
