Health
Presented by: Aakanksha Mohanty
• Objective
• Methodology - Factors
contributing to Craving of
Junk food
• Argument
• Conclusion
• Q/A
• The following presentation intends to depict the
understanding of the psychological factors that drive
individuals to choose and consume junk food over
healthier alternatives and investigate the role of
emotions in influencing food choices, particularly how
stress, boredom, and pleasure impact the preference for
junk food.
• IAnalyze the cognitive processes that contribute to the
decision-making behind choosing and consuming junk
food, including perception, memory, and attention.
• Understanding how emotions such as stress, boredom,
and happiness can influence the choice of junk food as a
coping mechanism.
• Examining the link between emotional states and the
craving for specific types of comfort foods.
Peer pressure and socialization impacting the adoption of
unhealthy eating habits.
• Understanding how the brain's reward system responds to the
consumption of junk food, leading to cravings and potential
addictive behaviors.
• Exploring the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, and
their role in reinforcing the pleasure associated with junk food.
• Exploring how personality traits, psychological disorders,
and individual variations contribute to susceptibility to
excessive junk food consumption.
• Variability in response to environmental cues and triggers
associated with junk food.
• Analyzing the impact of advertising, branding, and marketing
techniques on shaping perceptions and preferences for specific
junk food products.
• The use of persuasive messaging and visual cues in promoting
the desirability of unhealthy foods.
The role of taste and sensory appeal in driving preferences for highly palatable, often
processed, and high-fat/sugar/salt content foods and hedonic pleasure derived from the
consumption of junk food and its impact on reinforcing the behavior.
Nutritional Deficiency:
Junk food is often high in calories, sugars, and unhealthy fats
while lacking essential nutrients. Regular consumption can lead
to nutritional deficiencies, affecting overall health and well-being.
Weight Gain and Obesity:
The excessive calories and unhealthy ingredients in junk food
contribute to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity. The
high sugar content, in particular, can lead to insulin resistance
and metabolic disorders.
Poor Heart Health:
Junk food, especially those high in trans fats and sodium, can
contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and high blood
pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Short-Term Satisfaction, Long-Term Consequences:
Junk food often provides immediate satisfaction but lacks the
long-term benefits associated with a balanced and nutritious
diet. Over time, this can contribute to chronic health issues and
a diminished quality of life.
Negative Impact on Mental Health:
Unhealthy eating patterns have been linked to an increased risk
of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
Energy Fluctuations:
The high sugar content in many junk foods can lead to energy
spikes followed by crashes, negatively impacting mood,
concentration, and overall energy levels.
In conclusion, unraveling the psychology behind junk
food consumption has revealed a complex interplay of
pleasure, emotions, societal influences, and cognitive
factors. Recognizing the impact of marketing,
accessibility, and individual differences, we propose a
multifaceted approach for change. By addressing these
factors through education, regulation, and improved
access to healthier options, we can foster a shift
towards more mindful eating habits, promoting both
physical and mental well-being.
THANK YOU
