Does Junk Food Affect Academic Performance? A Review-Based Study

Abstract

Junk food is now a regular staple in the diet of many students, tending to take over from healthy food. This review study discusses how regular eating of junk food affects grades. By comparing five diverse research studies from around the world, it was revealed that unhealthy eating habits are connected with low energy, poor concentration, and decreased memory ; all of which impact school or college grades. Though several other factors impact grades, nutrition plays a major part. The current paper emphasizes how healthy eating should be encouraged in students to promote improved learning.

Introduction

With the busy lifestyle of the present era, junk foods have become part of regular consumption for a majority of students. These foods, such as chips, burgers, soft drinks, and packaged snacks, contain much fat, sugar, and salt but minimal essential nutrients. Although they are appetizing because of their taste and ready availability, frequent consumption can adversely impact physical as well as mental health.

Academic performance is influenced by numerous factors, such as diet, sleep, stress, and lifestyle. Unhealthy eating habits, particularly excessive junk food intake ;can lower energy levels, reduce concentration, and impact brain function. Some research indicates that there is a direct correlation between the quality of diet and cognitive functions such as memory and concentration.

The purpose of this paper is to summarize past studies in order to examine if there is a distinctive connection between junk food intake and academic performance among students.

Review of Literature

Study 1: India (2020)

A study published in the International Journal of Pediatrics found that students consuming fast food more than three times a week scored lower on attention and memory tests. Poor nutrient intake and high sugar levels were linked to fatigue and lack of focus.

→ (Verma & Singh, 2020)

Study 2: United Kingdom (2018)

A UK study analyzed school children's lunch habits and found those eating home-cooked or balanced meals had better academic outcomes than those who consumed processed foods regularly.

→ (Smith et al., 2018)

Study 3: Pakistan (2021)

A Lahore-based study reported that 70% of students regularly consumed fried snacks during school breaks, and nearly 60% of them complained about low energy and poor concentration in class.

→ (Khan & Fatima, 2021)

Study 4: USA (2017)

Research in The Journal of Adolescent Health revealed that high soft drink and candy consumption was associated with poor sleep and reduced test scores.

→ (Brown et al., 2017)

Study 5: Nigeria (2019)

A university study concluded that students who replaced breakfast with junk food (like instant noodles or sugary buns) showed more signs of forgetfulness, low motivation, and poor classroom engagement.

→ (Oluwaseun & Adebayo, 2019)

Discussion

A majority of reviewed studies concur that consumption of junk foods has a negative effect on academic performance. Tiredness, distraction, poor memory retention, and mood swings are common problems cited. Research conducted in both developing and developed nations yields comparable outcomes ; poor diet compromises cognitive function, primarily among school and college students.

One of the major reasons for this phenomenon is the absence of necessary nutrients such as iron, protein, and omega-3s from junk food, which contribute towards brain health. In addition, excessive intake of sugar can lead to a sudden energy high followed by sudden crashes, rendering it more difficult to concentrate in school.

But a couple of studies also added that junk food might not be the only cause for low grades , it is also aided by other factors like excessive screen time, lack of sleep, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Conclusion

According to the studies covered, frequent junk food intake can be detrimental to students' grades. Bad eating habits can cause fatigue, decreased concentration, and diminished memory capacity ; all of which impinge on learning and grades. As much as junk food is convenient and tasty, it must not take the place of nutritious meals, particularly when exams are approaching or term is in session.

Educators and parents must encourage healthy eating and how it affects brain functioning, not merely body health. Schools could also promote healthier foods during lunch break times.

References

1. Verma, R., & Singh, N. (2020). Impact of fast food on cognitive development in adolescents. International Journal of Pediatrics, 7(3), 45–49.

2. Smith, J., Allen, D., & Williams, K. (2018). School lunch quality and academic performance. British Journal of Nutrition, 119(8), 925–932.

3. Khan, H., & Fatima, R. (2021). Dietary habits of school students in Lahore and their impact on learning. Pakistan Journal of Education and Nutrition, 13(2), 15–22.

4. Brown, T., Miller, A., & Daniels, R. (2017). Soft drink consumption and test performance in adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 61(5), 554–560.

5. Oluwaseun, A., & Adebayo, M. (2019). Breakfast skipping and fast food intake among university students. African Journal of Student Health, 5(1), 30–37.