Nowadays eating habits of people around the world are changing, causing many health problems including obesity. Why do people tend to eat so badly? What can be done to improve eating habits? | Real exam ielts writing task 2 kAZAKHASTAN | paper based ielts exam

✅ IELTS Writing Task 2

Question:

Nowadays eating habits of people around the world are changing, causing many health problems including obesity. Why do people tend to eat so badly? What can be done to improve eating habits?

---

🧠 Ideas

🔹 Why do people eat badly? (Causes)

1. Busy lifestyles – People have less time to cook, leading to fast food dependence.

2. Easy availability of junk food – Unhealthy food is often cheaper and more accessible.

3. Lack of nutritional knowledge – Many are unaware of what constitutes a balanced diet.

4. Aggressive food marketing – Advertisements push processed and sugary foods, especially to youth.

5. Stress and emotional eating – Individuals often turn to unhealthy snacks as a coping mechanism.

---

🔹 What can be done? (Solutions)

1. Public health education – Launch campaigns to teach the importance of healthy eating.

2. Better food labeling – Clear information helps consumers choose wisely.

3. Restrict junk food ads – Especially those targeting children.

4. Encourage home-cooked meals – Promoting cooking at home for better control over ingredients.

5. Government subsidies – Make healthy food more affordable than fast food.

---

✍️ Band 7.5+ Sample Answer

In recent years, eating habits across the globe have undergone significant changes, resulting in a rise in diet-related health issues such as obesity. While there are several reasons why people tend to eat poorly, a variety of practical solutions can be implemented to promote healthier dietary habits.

One of the primary reasons for unhealthy eating is the increasingly hectic lifestyle that leaves little time for preparing nutritious meals. As a result, many people resort to fast food and ready-to-eat meals that are high in fats, sugars, and salt. Moreover, unhealthy food is often more accessible and affordable than healthy alternatives, especially in urban areas. Another major factor is the lack of awareness regarding nutrition. A large number of people do not understand the importance of a balanced diet or how to read food labels effectively. In addition, the widespread marketing of junk food, especially through television and social media, contributes to poor eating habits by making processed food appear more appealing. Emotional eating is also on the rise, with individuals turning to comfort food during times of stress or anxiety.

However, several effective steps can be taken to address this issue. Firstly, governments and health organizations should invest in public awareness campaigns that educate citizens about healthy eating. Schools can also play a role by introducing nutrition education at an early age. Secondly, mandatory labeling on packaged foods, showing calorie counts and nutritional values, can help consumers make informed choices. Thirdly, restricting advertisements for junk food, particularly those targeting children, can reduce their influence. Encouraging families to prepare home-cooked meals is another important strategy, as it allows for more control over ingredients. Lastly, subsidies on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can make healthy food more affordable and accessible to the general public.

In conclusion, although the shift towards poor dietary habits is driven by convenience, cost, and lack of awareness, it is possible to reverse this trend through public education, stricter food regulations, and economic incentives. These combined efforts can pave the way toward healthier communities worldwide.

---

📚 Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

Word / Phrase	Meaning / Usage
Diet-related health issues	Health problems caused by poor eating habits
Ready-to-eat meals	Pre-packaged meals requiring little preparation
Balanced diet	A diet that includes all necessary nutrients
Processed food	Food altered from its natural state (e.g. frozen, canned)
Nutritional awareness	Understanding of healthy eating
Public awareness campaign	Government efforts to educate the public
Food labeling	Nutritional information printed on food packages
Restricting advertisements	Limiting marketing to reduce influence
Home-cooked meals	Food prepared at home rather than eating out
Government subsidies	Financial aid to make healthy food more affordable
Emotional eating	Eating in response to feelings rather than hunger

---