Frozen Foods and Child Obesity

This report investigates the correlation between frozen food consumption and childhood obesity. It utilizes a secondary research methodology, analyzing existing literature (2012-2017) and social media discussions (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) to understand children's dietary behaviors and the impact of frozen foods. The report finds that increased consumption of frozen foods, often high in sodium, saturated fats, and sugars, contributes to weight gain and related health issues like diabetes and liver problems. The study highlights the need for balanced diets, reduced consumption of processed foods, and increased physical activity to mitigate the risks of obesity in children. The report concludes with recommendations for parents and caregivers to promote healthier eating habits and lifestyles for children.

FROZEN FOODS CAUSE THE OBESITY IN CHILDREN WHICH MAY AFFECT
THEIR HEALTH AND GROWTH

Table of Contents
Research motivation........................................................................................................................3
Methodology....................................................................................................................................4
Literature Review............................................................................................................................5
Findings and Discussions................................................................................................................7
Conclusion and Recommendation.................................................................................................12
Reference List:...............................................................................................................................14

Research motivation
In recent times the competition has increased in almost every field. In order to cement a standard
position in any sector, it has become imperative for almost every individual to engage in
schedules which are hectic and furious (Ganann et al. 2014). In order to meet busy schedules the
individuals have to invest ample amount of time. Thus, it can be said that the concerns relating to
health goes for a toss (Anderson and Butcher, 2016). Additionally, in order to cope with the
growing competition, it has become essential for the individuals to invest in techniques and
tricks that would save them ample time as well. Thus, it can be seen that the dependency on
packaged and processed food has been increasing over the years (Biro and Wien, 2010). With
lack of enough time and energy to invest on quality food made in home, more and more people
are turning towards these alternatives.
One of the major issues, however, that prevails is the fact that these processed foods, no matter
how much convenience they might add to the routines of the individuals, are not barred from
considerable issues that may have an impact on the health of the consumers (Cobb et al. 2015).
In majority of the times, the frozen or processed foods are consisting of certain elements which
may have dire consequences on the overall health of the consumers (Odoms-Young et al. 2014).
The rising health related issues is one of the major indicators of the fact that the fast paced
lifestyles of the individuals may impact the health of individuals (Björck et al. 2014). When it
comes to children, the concern related to health becomes even more evident. The impact of
things like processed foods are likely to be more on children since their immunity is low.
It can be observed that the preferences of the children towards food items as such are far more
than the conventional healthy food alternatives. The junk food consumption and frozen and
processed food are even though heavily consumed by the children; the added health issues are
likely to affect their overall condition (Dixon et al. 2014). Obesity is one of the most common
health conditions which is being noted among the children in recent times (Cetateanu and Jones,
2014). While obesity itself is a serious health condition, it can also lead to many other health
related issues among the sufferers, which may include blood pressure fluctuations, high diabetes,
heart diseases to name a few. Thus, it cannot be denied that these fast and processed materials
like frozen foods are unhealthy, especially for the children for consumption. Hence, this specific

study has been undertaken to explain how frozen food can contribute in growing obesity among
children and how it may impact their overall growth.
Methodology
In order to progress with any study and establish a conclusive result, it is important that standard
methods are being followed and a structured format is maintained. Hence, in this research as
well, it has been considered that suitable techniques are being followed to achieve concrete
conclusions. While the chosen subject is one of the major concerns in recent times, it can be seen
that various studies and articles have been developed over the years addressing the issues that
may crop up due to the constant consumption of processed or frozen food. In order to derive a
proper result, these sources have been utilized by the researcher. Hence, it can be said that the
researcher has undertaken the secondary research method in order to progress with the study.
The available literary sources addressing the eating habits among children and the impact of the
diets which are being followed by them on their overall health conditions have been studied and
analysed. Additionally, it has also been taken into consideration to trace whether frozen food is
responsible for health dire health conditions like obesity among children or not. With the help of
available documents, it will be easier to establish the facts and get a better knowledge regarding
the situations relating to the chosen subject. The sources which have been incorporated for the
study are from the time period of 2012-17. This is done in order to ensure that the relevance of
the attained data is properly managed in current scenario.
The research has been conducted as a netnography which is the internet form of ethnography.
For this research 3 social media sites (Facebook, Twitter and Youtube) have been explored and
the discussions have been based on the findings from these sites
Literature Review
Frozen food
Foods which are processed at low temperatures in order to ensure that the shelf life of the same is
enhanced and the spoilage of the food is eliminated are considered as frozen food (Martinez et
al. 2015). While in recent times, the popularity of the frozen food have considerably increased

due to the constant time constraints that most individuals may have to deal with, it can be seen
that the process has been implemented and followed by individuals for long time now (Cole et
al. 2012). The need of quick-fixes and convenience can be considered as one of the major
contributors for the rise in demand of the frozen food among the working individuals or parents.
The foods, vegetables and other items are picked up when the same can be essentially considered
as ripe. The techniques are used in order to hinder the process of decomposition that these items
are generally subjected to (Terry et al. 2016). The moisture that the items contain is turned into
ice form in order to lock the process of spoilage. Thus, the products can be considered effective
enough for further consumption for a long time (Howlett et al. 2016).
The frozen food products can be considered as one of the methods that acts as a boon in the busy
lives of many. The food items are preserved in cold spots and reduced temperatures that can be
utilised only by un-packaging and heating it (Davis and Carpenter, 2012). Thus, it can be said
that the foods as such are high on demand in recent times. However, one of the major concerns
that has been debatable is whether these food sources are able to retain the nutritional value in a
proper manner or not (Musaad et al. 2017). Additionally, the techniques which are used in recent
times to preserve the food as such are also observed to be using certain enzymes which are
responsible for enhancement of fat among consumers (Elliott, 2012).
High amount of preservatives are used for storing the food items as such. The food which re
stored at extreme low temperature ensures that the scopes of microorganism to grow on these
items are eliminated (Fraser and Edwards, 2012). Thus, the deterioration of the food products are
reduced. However, the scope of other forms of deterioration cannot be avoided altogether.
It can be seen that most of the preservatives that are used for the frozen storage of foods are
likely to have certain amount of disadvantages, especially on the health conditions of the
consumers (Buss et al. 2014). Chemical reactions and oxidations are certain aspects which are
responsible for the deterioration of the overall quality of the food items which are being stored in
frozen state. The most widely used preservatives which are being utilised are sodium and
saturated fats. It is a known fact that the saturated fats, sugar contents and sugars are responsible
for the destruction of nutritious elements in food products (Larson and Story, 2013).
Furthermore, these constituents tend to get stored in the body as unhealthy fat that may lead to

conditions like obesity and other health problems (Gurnani et al. 2015). While the sodium is one
of the major contents that is responsible for retention of liquid intake that makes individual feel
bloated and stuffed, the high level of saturated fats can also be considered harmful for regular
consumption (Lau et al. 2014). The food habits of the children in recent times are getting more
driven towards the fast and junk. Mostly, it can be seen that the working parents are not able to
invest appropriate amount of time in the kitchen preparing food from fresh ingredients (Zenk et
al. 2014). In addition to the consumption of foods as such, minimum physical exercises and
added stress in their educational institutions are majorly responsible for the deteriorating health
condition of the children (Lustig et al. 2016).
Dangers that may affect growth of children
When it comes to food consumption, the noticeable shift in the demands of the individuals can
be observed. The quick fixes have become the go to alternatives for most of the individuals. The
working parents depend on meals as such which can be managed within limited time. Thus, it
can be seen that the children, in recent times, are depending on the frozen food more than ever
(Ho et al. 2012). The children in recent times are more exposed to these easier alternatives. In
addition to this, it can also be seen that the packaged food are more preferable to them.
It is a known fact that a balanced diet is one of the basic requirements for any child. It can be
said that in order to ensure that the growth process of any child is occurring in desirable manner,
the required nutritional level are matched (Hurley et al. 2011). While most of the frozen foods
are providing the impression of the fact that the meals which are on offer are wholesome and are
capable of providing standard nutrition to the consumers which may include children, with close
monitoring of the food labels it can be established that the high amount of sufficient fats are
utilised and healthy high-fibre nutritional ingredients are eliminated (Kipke et al. 2014). The use
of ingredients like hydrogenated oils such as palm oils are used which are hidden forms of trans-
fat.
Thus, on the basis of the mentioned condition, it can be said that the regular consumptions of
food products as such at regular intervals can lead to considerable disturbance of imbalance of
nutritional intake among children. Thus, the overall growth process can get considerably
hampered (Koplan et al. 2015). In addition to this, the immunity system of the children can also

suffer making them vulnerable towards other added health issues like blood pressure, heart
diseases and so on. Hence, it can be seen that the contents in the frozen food can have adverse
impact on the children who are regularly consuming such products.
Findings and Discussions
Dietary behaviour of children has been changing
Nick Farrell (Facebook): I've been to Pizza Joint every day this week …..I think I have a
problem. I have the dietary habits of a child
Facebook user: It's a 4 month commitment to 'transition' to healthier 'habits' as this takes
time... but the benefit is long term lasting results instead of the yoyo diet effect and poor
health.
The modern fast-paced lives have channelized the behaviour of children relating to food in a
specific direction. The dependencies on fast and processed foods have increased in the recent
times (Frongillo and Bernal, 2014). It can be said that the preferences and habits of the children
have been driven towards these easy to make food items.
The consumption of junk and fast foods have increased among the children and young adults.
Hence, it can be noticed that the dietary guidelines which are needed to be consumed as per
dietary guidelines (Kral et al. 2014). It can be said that the demographic and socio-cultural
background of children are one of the major reasons behind the inconsistency in the dietary
behaviour of children in recent times (Feld et al. 2017).
The eating patterns among the children are indicators that the consumption of high energy but
low nutrients foods are more persisting among the children who are growing up in urban set ups
in comparison to the children in rural areas (Lenardson et al. 2015). One of the major reasons
behind the same is the factor that the fresh products direct from farms and dairies can be
accessed more easily by the individuals staying in rural areas (Eicher-Miller et al. 2015). The
freshly acquired products when distributed to the urban areas, the process of transportation
considerably reduces the nutrient values of the products (Li et al. 2012). Additionally, in order to
ensure that the shelf-life of the products are increased considerable amount of processed
ingredients are added as preservatives (Taillie et al. 2016).

Thus, as a result, it becomes evident that the dietary behaviour of children in urban set up are
influenced by certain factors like the increased time constraints and lesser access to fresh food
products (McGarvey et al. 2014). Hence, their food habits are lesser effective than that of the
children in the rural set up. The influence of junk food is comparatively more in urban areas as
well due to the mentioned factors.
Increased Consumption of Frozen food
Charles Lemos (Facebook) Between 1977 and 1995, US potato consumption increased by a
third, almost entirely due to the rise of frozen French Fried potatoes.
With the constraints of time of people in recent times, it can be said that the individuals are
searching for alternatives that will require minimum efforts from their sides. Hence, the
dependency on frozen food has been increasing considerably in recent times (Morgan, 2013).
The increase in competition in the various sectors around the world have led to the scarcity of
time among individuals to shop and cook fresh ingredients. Hence, food with preservatives are
usually availed and stored in the houses in majority of the times.
The frozen food industry has gained considerable reputation among the food industry as well
(Rehm and Drewnowski, 2017). It can be said that the increasing consumption of the growing
population is one of the major reasons behind the growing demand of the frozen food.
Furthermore, the convenience which is tagged along these kinds of food items are added
advantages. It cannot be denied that when it comes to frozen food, there are varieties that are
available (Nackers and Appelhans, 2013). Be it the regular fruits and vegetables, meat products
and so on or the confectionaries, pizzas, burgers, snacks and other junk items, there is a large
division of categories from which one may choose. Thus, it can b e said that the frozen food
industry has been delivering according to the food preferences of many.
The ready meals and frozen meats are high in demand due to the change in lifestyles of the
individuals. It can be further said that while most of the nutritionists around the world are not
advocating the added advantages of the frozen food items, the advancement in technology and
implication of better techniques by the manufacturers have the tendency to make the consumers
feel more inclined towards such alternatives (O'dea, 2014). On the basis of the above discussion,

it can be said that the demand of frozen food is likely to increase over the years due to the
significant changes in lifestyles of the potential consumers globally (Feld et al. 2017).
Harmful effects of Frozen Food
Police Alerts UK and News Report (Facebook page) Do you know what E621 or sodium
glutamate is? Have you ever heard about this substance? You’d be surprised to find out that you’re
consuming it on a daily basis and it’s wreaking havoc on your body!
Sodium glutamate E621 is a common additive found in almost all manufactured foods.
There’s almost no restaurant in the world that doesn’t use this taste enhancer. It’s one of
the most harmful substances we consume every day, without even realizing it!
Even though the demands of frozen foods as such are on rise globally, the effectiveness of these
products on overall health benefits still remains questionable. It is important to note that the
difference of the ingredients used in making the products and the freshly cooked products are
evident (Reilly et al. 2013). On the close monitoring of the products it can be seen that the
contents which are incorporated in the frozen foods are far less healthier than the freshly
acquired from farm counterparts.
According to the explanation of nutritionists it becomes clearer that even though the products as
such are adding more amount of convenience in the lives of the individuals, it cannot be denied
that there are considerable adverse impacts of the same as well (Eicher-Miller et al. 2015). The
main areas of the concerns arise due to the fact that the ingredients which are used may have the
tendency to contain high amount of sodium and trans fat. Many meals may even contain the
sodium up to 700 to 1800 mg (Rolland-Cachera et al. 2012). Thus, maintaining a balance on the
overall intake can be difficult since in average people may have to take a minimum of 3 meals.
The daily recommended intake of sodium which can considered to be healthy can thus be
crossed with the occasional intake of frozen food by any individual on a daily basis.
The impact of the frozen foods is recently being noticed by the individuals around the globe due
to the increasing consciousness relating to health (Sahoo et al. 2015). The studies which have
proven that the level of food intake among the individuals are less nutritive when frozen food

are being consumed makes it evident that there are added health related issues that may be
associated with the products as well.
Frozen food and Child Obesity
Tony Weekes (Youtube Video) They cover foods high in fat, meaning over processed,
boxed and packaged 'foods' like cookies cakes, frozen food etc.
By our children continually eating like this, we are damaging their cognitive health,
affecting their behaviour, not to mention the possibility of obesity and fatty internal organs.
It has been stated in previous studies that when it comes to diet of children and adolescent it
becomes all the way more necessary to invest on certain products which may be helpful in
maintaining a balanced diet. It is important that the nutritional values are properly addressed and
monitored in order to strengthen their immunity systems and ensure their unhindered physical
and mental growth (Sealy, 2010). However, according to the studies, it can be seen that the
maintenance of proper balance is one of the major issues that is being faced by the children in
recent times.
On the basis of the observation it is noted that when it comes to physical activities, the children
are comparatively lesser active from that of a regular adult in a general set up. The consumption
of the frozen foods with high amount of sodium and sugar content can, thus, will have the
tendency to get gathered within the body (Rehm and Drewnowski, 2017). Thus, it can be
effective in ensuring that the body fat leading to conditions like obesity is prevalent.
Findings from conducted studies state that the preference of children towards frozen
confectionaries, junk and processed foods are also adding to the current state of growing obesity
among the youngsters as well (Stice et al. 2016). It can be seen that the proportion of body fat
has been increasing due to the inactivity of the children and the added stress that they have to
face leading to eating disorders are also major contributors of obesity among the children in
recent times.
Thus, it can be said that the children are required to be monitored and restricted from consuming
high amount of frozen food as the same is responsible for the growing cases of obesity along
with the lesser physical activities in recent times (St-Onge et al. 2013). Hence, it can be said that

in order to reduce the effectiveness of the potential issues that may rise due to the added weight
that may be gained by consumption of frozen food, maintaining a balanced diet is one of the
crucial steps that is needed to be considered.
Obesity leads to other health issues
Facebook User: Its time to get serious about our HEALTH people, Mississippi is #2 in
OBESITY and it is causing to many health issues and DEATHS.
Recorded studies advocate that obesity is not the only issue that may be emerging due to the
consumption of frozen food. As it has been noted in the study above, when it comes to obesity,
there are added health issues that are associated with the same. It can be seen that the obesity
often leads to many other chronic diseases among individuals as well (Taillie et al. 2015). It can
be seen that the overweight children tend to develop health issues like asthma, diabetes, heart
diseases and so on. It has been noticed in recent times that one out of every three children are
developing tendencies of diabetes due to the issue of obesity in recent times.
As recorded in the literature review, liver problems are also closely associated with the obesity.
It has been observed in various studies that the children who are obsessed have a higher risk of
facing severe liver problems like steatohepatitis (NASH) (Zhou et al. 2015). Conditions as such
can even lead to cirrhosis which can have considerable negative impact on the liver of any
individual, especially children with weaker immunity systems.
Additionally, the development of metabolic syndrome cannot be ignored as well. Resistance o
insulin which may lead to diabetes is one of the major issues that obese children may have to
face in recent times. The abnormal lipids can lead to other issues of digestion and other added
disorders (Frongillo and Bernal, 2014).
Hence, it can be said that the children are likely to get adversely affected in many ways due to
the persisting among the children in recent times. It is important that the added health conditions
are avoided in initial steps to ensure that the obesity may not be a chronic condition they may
have to face during their adulthood as well. It is, hence, important that appropriate consideration
is given towards their overall intake of food and physical activities to eliminate the issues that
may crop up due to obesity.

Conclusion and Recommendation
On the basis of the above study it becomes evident that the consumption of frozen food is one of
the major issues that is responsible for the rise in obesity among children and adolescent around
the globe. The contents and ingredients of which the preservatives are made of certain sodium or
sugar elements which are major contributor of weight gain among individuals. It can be said that
the children tend to get more effected with such ingredients due to their comparatively lower
physical activities and the eating disorders that is sustaining in their food and dietary habits.
Additionally, the preferences of the parents and children are more inclined towards these quick
fix alternatives in recent times.
It can be said that more attention is needed to be provided towards the dietary habits of the
children by the parents. While the loss of nutrient contents like vitamin C is imperative, it is
better to opt for products which have lesser amount of confectionary products or syrups. The
products with high amount of sauces and saturated fats can also be avoided to ensure that the fat
intake is done in a proportionate manner.
Additionally, it is important that considerable amount of physical activities are done. It will
reduce the chances of the fat getting stored in body and enhance the metabolism. Hence,
occasional exercises and outdoor games are required to be maintained by the children. Thus, the
overall growth of the children can remain unaffected.