IMPACT OF SOFT DRINKS ON CHILDREN

Impact of Soft Drinks on Children in Saudi Arabia for the last 10 years



[Name of the Institute]

Impact of Soft Drinks on Children in Saudi Arabia for the last 10 years

Introduction

The lifestyle and nutrition of the people of Saudi Arabia is different. Obesity is one of the most common disorders which are faced by the people of Saudi Arabia. It is very frustrating disorder, which cannot be dealt with so easily and quickly. This disorder is common all over the world, and it has become difficult to deal with obesity. There are so many factors which contribute towards obesity, and this result in affecting the health of individuals. In children, obesity is more common as compared to the individuals belonging to another age group. The health of children is considered to be important, and it is necessary to analyze and evaluate all the factors which can affect the health of children (Rukban, 2003, pp. 27-33).

The diet of children consists of different products, which includes vegetables, fruits, fast food, drinks and soft drinks. The diet provides children with the necessary nutrition, which help them in growing and developing. In Saudi Arabia, the consumption of fast food and soft drinks is very common. There are several fast food restaurants which provide fast food items to their customers. Usually families visit fast food restaurants for lunch and dinner. Soft drinks are commonly consumed by children, which affects their health. Soft drinks consist of artificial flavors, and addictive taste and ingredients. This results in making children addictive to drinking, and they consume more soft drinks. In the past 10 years, the consumption of soft drinks has increased greatly among the children in Saudi Arabia. As a result, their health is getting affected, and doctors are suggesting parents to keep their children away from soft drinks (Caglar, Kargus and Lussi, 2005, pp. 5-10).

Research Rationale

Soft drinks are commonly consumed by people all over the world. There are different brands of soft drinks which are competing in the market. They are attracting people and children by promoting their brands through appealing advertisements and promotions. When the intake of soft drinks is high, it affects the health of children especially. Different researchers have concluded that soft drinks have resulted in increasing the number of diseases in children. This includes obesity and dental erosion, which are most commonly found in children. Soft drinks consist of ingredients which make a person fat and if they continue drinking it for a long time, their fatness can grow into obesity. Soft drinks are not harmful if they are consumed up to a certain level. It can be consumed once or twice in a week or so, as this will not harm the health of its consumer. It becomes a problem for the consumers who consume soft drinks on regular basis, or are highly addicted to soft drinks. Many children consume soft drinks and they do not brush their teeth nicely, and this results in ...