Big Food and the Health of Americans
Abstract
There are few studies done on the Ultra-Processed Food industry and its effect on human health in the United States, despite America’s obesity epidemic. The Ultra-Processed food industry is commonly called “Big Food”. This review aims at the association between Big Food and how it affects the health of Americans. The NOVA classification system is used to classify foods. A one on the NOVA classification system is considered unprocessed or minimally processed foods. Groups two and three represent food that is processed by cooking. Group four represents foods that are high in fat, sugar, and very little nutrients, also called Ultra-processed. The Hyper-palatability and price of Ultra Processed Foods makes them especially addictive and can be damaging to Americans. In this literature review, research was done to understand the association between Big Food and the health of Americans. Purpose Statement and Research Question: According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 100 million adults have obesity, and obesity cost the United States healthcare system almost $173 billion per year. The research question is how the increased or decreased regulation of Big Food companies impacts the health outcomes of the American population. Literature Review: Articles five years or less, peer reviewed journals in English. Conclusions and Nursing Implications: In conclusion, more research is indicated for the topic. Research shows that consuming Ultra-Processed food results in adverse health effects, thus more research should be done on Big Food companies. The nursing implications for this are promoting community health, advocating for food policy changes, promoting healthy eating, and diet education. In the hospital setting, it is important for nurses to perform a mini-nutritional assessment on their patients so nutrition-based interventions can be implemented to prevent re-hospitalization and promote wellness. Key Search Terms: Big food, Ultra-processed food, health, obesity, America, cost.
Start Time
16-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Time
16-4-2025 10:00 AM
Room Number
272
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Research-in-Progress
Presentation Category
Science, Technology and Engineering
Faculty Mentor
Kendrea Todt
Big Food and the Health of Americans
272
There are few studies done on the Ultra-Processed Food industry and its effect on human health in the United States, despite America’s obesity epidemic. The Ultra-Processed food industry is commonly called “Big Food”. This review aims at the association between Big Food and how it affects the health of Americans. The NOVA classification system is used to classify foods. A one on the NOVA classification system is considered unprocessed or minimally processed foods. Groups two and three represent food that is processed by cooking. Group four represents foods that are high in fat, sugar, and very little nutrients, also called Ultra-processed. The Hyper-palatability and price of Ultra Processed Foods makes them especially addictive and can be damaging to Americans. In this literature review, research was done to understand the association between Big Food and the health of Americans. Purpose Statement and Research Question: According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 100 million adults have obesity, and obesity cost the United States healthcare system almost $173 billion per year. The research question is how the increased or decreased regulation of Big Food companies impacts the health outcomes of the American population. Literature Review: Articles five years or less, peer reviewed journals in English. Conclusions and Nursing Implications: In conclusion, more research is indicated for the topic. Research shows that consuming Ultra-Processed food results in adverse health effects, thus more research should be done on Big Food companies. The nursing implications for this are promoting community health, advocating for food policy changes, promoting healthy eating, and diet education. In the hospital setting, it is important for nurses to perform a mini-nutritional assessment on their patients so nutrition-based interventions can be implemented to prevent re-hospitalization and promote wellness. Key Search Terms: Big food, Ultra-processed food, health, obesity, America, cost.