Sample Answer
Evaluating the Impact of Fast-Food Consumption on Adolescent Obesity in the United Kingdom: A Public Health Concern
Background and Justification
Obesity has become one of the most pressing public health challenges in the United Kingdom, particularly among children and adolescents. Over the past three decades, obesity rates have risen sharply, influenced by changes in diet, lifestyle, and food marketing. According to the National Health Service (NHS Digital, 2023), one in five children aged 10 to 11 in England is classified as obese, and this figure continues to increase every year. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) identifies childhood and adolescent obesity as a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.
The increasing accessibility and affordability of fast food have played a major role in shaping unhealthy dietary habits among young people. The rise of fast-food chains and digital delivery platforms has led to a “convenience culture,” where calorically dense, nutrient-poor foods are consumed more frequently than home-cooked meals (Public Health England, 2021). Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to these trends because they are heavily influenced by advertising, social media, and peer norms (Smith et al., 2020).
The justification for selecting this topic lies in its urgent relevance to public health policy. Despite numerous campaigns to promote healthy eating, obesity rates among young people remain high, suggesting that interventions have not fully addressed the underlying social, environmental, and behavioural drivers of fast-food consumption. This literature proposal seeks to explore the relationship between fast-food intake and adolescent obesity, identify key risk factors, and assess what strategies might effectively reduce consumption among this age group.
Furthermore, a review of the existing literature reveals a significant gap in studies exploring the role of socio-economic inequality and digital marketing exposure in shaping adolescent food choices in the UK context. While global studies exist, there remains a need for targeted UK-based analysis to inform local public health strategies.
Literature Matrix
| Author(s) & Year | Title | Focus | Key Findings | Gap/Notes |
|---|
| NHS Digital (2023) |
National Child Measurement Programme |
UK child obesity data |
One in five UK children obese by age 11 |
Highlights scale but not behavioural causes |
| Smith et al. (2020) |
Social Media and Adolescent Diets |
Advertising exposure |
Digital ads increase fast-food intake |
UK-specific data limited |
| Jones et al. (2019) |
Fast Food and Public Health |
Consumption patterns |
High fast-food access linked to obesity clusters |
Limited youth focus |
| Public Health England (2021) |
Obesity and Nutrition Report |
National statistics |
Socio-economic inequality affects diet quality |
Few adolescent case studies |
| Fraser et al. (2022) |
Urban Food Environments |
Environmental factors |
Fast-food density near schools linked to higher BMI |
Correlation, not causation |
| WHO (2022) |
Global Obesity Report |
International overview |
Childhood obesity a major public health concern |
Calls for country-specific research |
Abbreviations Used in Matrix:
NHS – National Health Service; WHO – World Health Organization; BMI – Body Mass Index.
(Full glossary provided at the end.)
Aims of the Project
This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of fast-food consumption on adolescent obesity in the UK, with a focus on understanding behavioural, environmental, and social determinants.
Specific objectives include:
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To analyse the correlation between frequency of fast-food consumption and obesity rates among UK adolescents aged 12–18.
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To explore the influence of socio-economic background and digital marketing on adolescent dietary behaviour.
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To identify effective public health interventions that can reduce fast-food intake and encourage healthier eating habits.
This research aims to contribute to the development of more targeted, evidence-based policies and community-level strategies to address the adolescent obesity crisis.
