Fast Food Hinders Academic Growth

PAULA KIRYA
Staff Writer

Research led by Ohio State University Assistant Professor Kelly M. Purtell, accompanied Elizabeth T. Gershoff, a developmental psychologist from the University of Texas, suggests that consistent fast food consumption hinders academic development.The study asked 8,544 fifth-grade students, who took the survey known as the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Cohort with assessments in reading, math and science, how frequently they had consumed fast food within the week. Three years later, researchers compared these eating patterns with their academic progress. The studies showed that those who generally consumed the most fast-food experienced slower academic progression.

“[Schools should] eliminate all those vending machines,” school nurse Anita Man said. “[The] non nutritional foods provided and consumed affects focus, leaving students feeling sluggish.”

According to Education News, a potential contribution to the poor academic performance of students who regularly eat fast food is a lack of nutrients, particularly those that facilitate knowledge acquisition in their diets like Vitamin C, calcium, iron and zinc. The research also suggests that large intakes of fat and sugar obstruct the memory and learning abilities of students.

“I know that my breakfast usually affects how I perform on tests, but I don’t have time in the morning to really care about what I’m eating,” sophomore Jacy Zeng said.