▶ Your Answer : In this contemporary society, fast-food consumption has been on the steep rise. This trend has led to serious health problems. Relation between health and fast-food consumption is obvious as proved by numerous scientific research. This essay will outline the negative aspect of fast-food and suggest some possible solutions. Most of health problems that arise from fast-food consumption are a result of high levels of saturated fat, trans-fat, sugar and sodium. Fast-food restaurants often use high amounts of these ingredients which usually exceed recommended levels, in an attempt to add flavor to their food and make it more desirable. Many major health conditions such as heart diseases, stroke, diabetes mellitus and hypertension are associated with fast-food consumption. According to research conducted by NHS from 2000 to 2010, there is a clear proportional relationship between the amount of fast-food consumption and the risk of having metabolic disease, especially diabetes mellitus. Therefore, it is evident that there have to be some measures which limit fast-food consumption. To solve this problem, the government should impose strict restriction on fast-food companies. First, the standard for the quality and quantity of the ingredient they use should be fully revised and rigidly supervised. Although there are already some recommended levels, fast-food companies have regarded these just as recommendation, not as legal force. Second, fast-food companies should not be allowed to open too much new restaurants. Many cities are already so saturated with fast-food restaurants that people, even if they want to, can`t have a right to choose healthy foods outside home. The government should encourage fast-food companies to invest their money in selling healthier foods instead of expanding their business. The study by researchers in New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene compared the lunchtime meal of local community people in 2007 and 2009 – before and after the fast-food ban went into effect. In 2009, the average amounts of fat consumption during lunchtime was significantly reduced in 2009 compared to that in 2007. This clearly demonstrates that the ban or regulation itself can improve fast-food related problems. As can be seen, increasing fast-food consumption is becoming a serious problem in society due to its negative impacts on health. The government need to be actively involved to reduce the consumption of fast-food, and by doing so, to promote healthy eating habits.
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