Many studies have suggested that consumption of unhealthy foods is a major contributor to childhood obesity, and there has been much debate over the marketing of junk food to children, with many experts claiming it encourages unhealthy eating.
According to the Prevention Institute, almost 40% of children’s diets come from unhealthy fats and added sugars, and only 21% of youths aged 6-19 years eat the recommended five portions of fruits and vegetables a day.
Past research has linked fast-food consumption to childhood obesity and numerous health problems later in life. But eating such foods may not only affect physical health; a new study finds that the amount of fast food children eat may also influence their academic growth.
The research team – led by Katy Purtell, assistant professor of human sciences at Ohio State University – found that the higher the frequency of fast-food consumption in fifth grade, the worse children performed on math, reading and science tests in eighth grade.
They publish their findings in the journal Clinical Pediatrics.
Many studies have suggested that consumption of unhealthy foods is a major contributor to childhood obesity, and there has been much debate over the marketing of junk food to children, with many experts claiming it encourages unhealthy eating.
According to the Prevention Institute, almost 40% of children’s diets come from unhealthy fats and…
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