Junk Food

Consumption of junk food has increased dramatically in the last few years. Many factors affect junk food consumption such as habit, advertising and convenience. Junk food has created many negative effects on health even though the food industry boosts economic growth. Many people believe that a ban on junk food is necessary. How to relieve the harmful effects on junk food, whilst maintaining economic growth, is a key issue for government. However, it is my contention that junk food should not be banned because the food industry can provide numbers of job opportunities.

Junk food is unhealthy because it contains too much fat, salt and sugar. If people eat too much junk food, it may cause some health problems such as obesity. A ban may help people get far away from the junk food. However, a ban may not be helpful in preventing obesity. If people eat lots of food with high calories and fat, they may also get health problems because they did not do enough exercise and their weight will still increase.

Today, most food advertising is for junk food. Food companies have many different ways of advertising junk food to people. Some people argue that the advertisements have many negative effects on children. Children will ask their parents to buy more junk food because of the advertising. However, the advertising has a major effect on an economy and society. Through the advertising, companies not only improve their sales, but also provide many job opportunities to local residents. Therefore, government should introduce tighter regulation on junk food advertising, but not a ban.

Many nutritionists argue that if the tax on junk food rose, consumption would fall. However, if the price of junk food increases, it is unfair to those on lower incomes and would increase their economic burden. Once people cannot change their habits, they will continue to spend money on junk food, instead of nutritious food. So this is not the best way to solve the problems.

In summary,...