Dependence on junk food is a major warning for increasing obesity among Britons. Grabbing a burger or fries from a kebab shop while coming back from school, or while going out with friends can be equally hazardous for the health of children. So far, due to the lockdown and summer vacations, the consumption of junk food among kids has been under strict surveillance. But junk food might become a nightmare when the schools reopen.
Announcing the ban on junk food ads before 9pm, ending buy-one-get-one-free deals and urging to put calorie numbers on restaurant menus, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he felt he was “too fat” before he contracted Coronavirus. Campaigners also waved a red flag over Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ initiative – according to which fast food outlets will be giving the public 50 percent off meals during August.
An analysis published by Cancer Research UK states that almost half of all food adverts shown on ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky One were for products high in fat, sugar and salt, rising to almost 60% between 6pm and 9pm when they are most likely to be viewed by children.
Asian Voice spoke to mothers who have school going kids, over their concerns regarding junk food consumption in children.
We asked Dr Tisa Thomas (mother of two kids aged five and seven years of age) about her concerns regarding the eating habits of her children, especially in the pandemic when obesity can be a major factor that contributes to the vulnerability to the virus. “I’m more worried about the current lifestyle due to the restrictions than junk food itself. As we’ve been home the whole time we’ve been eating homemade meals. However exercise or physical activities have been minimal. Pre Covid times the kids were a lot more active with football dance running clubs etc.,” she said. Speaking about the kind of changes she would like to see from the government’s end, she said, “Definitely no junk food related advertisements during children’s TV time. It just promotes unhealthy eating. This includes juice chocolates crisps etc etc along with Mac Donald’s, KFC etc. Also create more awareness amongst kids regarding junk food dangers and more child friendly information. They take in a lot more via TV, news etc than we give kids credit.” Dr Thomas shared how she is making sure that her children don’t fall prey to unhealthy eating habits, especially the consumption of junk food. “Generally it’s harder to have to make a trip to McD as a treat or something like that. But things like chocolates etc. are much harder to manage. I try to avoid buying as if it’s home it just disappears,” she said.
As a concerned mother, Atrayee Bandyopadhyay said, “School closures and lack of outdoor activities for the last few months have been a great challenge for our kids. With his daily routine disrupted, I could clearly see my 8 year old find solace in “snack breaks”! We had to walk the thin line trying to be both strict and empathetic. We underestimate how receptive children can be and the outcome of honest conversations is far reaching! So once in a day crisps were replaced by a fruit of choice, sugar cravings were satiated by raisins or dates! Having spent years in genetic toxicology research I’m able to make informed decisions about which junk food to choose and which drink (aerated) to avoid. While sugar levels in any food is a concern, the side effects of artificial sweeteners are undesirable. I keep my child away from any carbonated drink, especially the ones with artificial sweeteners! I’m careful with the cooking medium and salt as they both play a role in hypertension! Children learn from examples, hence parents need to make a few adjustments in their own lifestyles as well! We need to practice what we preach! Being Asian means there’s a culture of having home cooked meals, it’s hard work but making right dietary choices for children will shape their eating habits as adults!”
Asian Voice also consulted a dietitian, Dahlia Kulkarni from Dietitian's room London regarding her opinion over this junk food fiasco. She said, “During lockdown due to easy access to food and increased time on the computer, most of us including children have been taking less exercise and snacking more. Some of us are snacking on asian salty and sweet foods which are particularly high in fat and sugar. This has led to children gaining more weight which can adversely affect their future health. How children eat can affect their mood and behaviour. There is evidence that 'unhealthy dietary patterns' can affect mood in teenagers.”
In response to the announcement of the new UK Government's obesity strategy, Tim Rycroft, Chief Operating Officer at the Food and Drink Federation said, "“As the economy struggles to recover, new restrictions on promoting and advertising everyday food and drink will increase the price of food, reduce consumer choice and threaten jobs across the UK. And all to save 17 calories a day."
Susan Jebb, professor of diet at Oxford University, said, “Every kilo you lose is going to reduce your risk of Covid hospitalisation and diabetes.”
Tips to control ‘Junk Food’ consumption, by Dahlia Kulkarni, Dietitian's Room London
1. Regular meals and a variety of healthy nutritious food can help to improve mood and learning so setting regular meal patterns and allowing 1-2 healthy snacks each day would be beneficial.
2. Although very occasional snacking on 'junk foods' is ok, it is wise to create a healthy kitchen. Keep junk foods away so you or the kids are not tempted by unhealthy treats.
3. Healthy snacks include fruit, dried fruit canned fruit in juice, frozen berries in plain yogurt, unsalted nuts, peanut butter/yeast spread on whole grain toast are all healthier options.
4. Lastly ensure your children get at least 30 mins of exercise a day. There are many videos/apps that can be used if it is raining.
