The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Conducted Seminar on the Impact of Fast Food on Health at King Private School
On Monday, February 3, 2025, the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Cihan University-Erbil delivered an educational seminar on the impact of fast food on health at King Private School.
The seminar, supervised by the Head of the Department, Lecturer Tanya Salam, aimed to highlight the risks associated with excessive fast-food consumption and encourage healthier eating habits among school students.
Upon their arrival, the university students were warmly received by Miss Shna Ahmed, who expressed her gratitude for their initiative in spreading nutritional awareness. She emphasized the importance of educating students about the long-term effects of their dietary choices, particularly in an era where fast food has become a staple in many young people’s diets.
Throughout the session, the students engaged the audience with interactive discussions, real-life examples, and visual presentations to illustrate the consequences of frequent fast-food consumption. They explained how high levels of unhealthy fats, excessive sugars, and processed ingredients contribute to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Additionally, they discussed the impact of these foods on energy levels, concentration, and academic performance, stressing the importance of a balanced diet rich in nutrients.
To make the session more engaging, the university students conducted a small activity, asking school students to compare common fast-food meals with healthier alternatives. They provided practical tips on making better food choices, such as choosing homemade meals, incorporating more fruits and vegetables, and reducing sugary drinks. The discussion also emphasized reading nutrition labels, understanding portion control, and recognizing misleading advertisements that promote unhealthy food as beneficial.
Many school students actively participated, sharing their eating habits and asking insightful questions about maintaining a healthier lifestyle while still enjoying their favorite foods in moderation.
At the end of the seminar, Miss Shna Ahmed thanked the team from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Cihan University-Erbil for their efforts in raising awareness about the importance of proper nutrition. She expressed hope for continued collaboration in future health education initiatives that benefit school students.