Do you know that 75¾% percent of the American population is likely to be obese by 2020? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 36 percent of American adults and 17 percent of under 19 American youth are obese. Obesity has taken the form of an epidemic in the United States, leading to significant health problems. These include premature death and coronary disease, diabetes, fatty liver, asthma, etc. You may have heard that fast food consumption is one of the main causes of obesity. Fast food and obesity are known to be going hand in hand.
Let us look at the Fast food consumption causes and effects connection between fast food and obesity
Key Facts:
- 72.4% and 34% of teenage students have used at least one fast-food form in recent months and weeks.
- The prevalence of BMI and WHR-based obesity was 21.3 percent (18.2 percent for females vs. 26.3 percent for males) and 33.2 percent (40.1 percent for females vs. 21.9 percent for males).
- Fast food intake was associated with WHR while not linked to BMI.
- Obesity/overweight based on BMI was linked to sandwich consumption by 35 percent, fried chicken by 40 percent, and pizza by more than 80 percent.
- The intake of calories from fast food decreased significantly with age.
- Non-Hispanic black adults ate a higher percentage of fast-food calories compared to non-Hispanic white and Hispanic adults.
- There was no difference in income status for all adults in calories eaten from fast food. However, the percentage of calories from fast food declined among young adults as incomes increased.
- The amount of total daily calories from fast food increased with an increase in weight.
Obesity and Calorie Intake
Studies have shown that this rise in obesity among the people of the world could be attributed to an elevated consumption of calories combined with a lack of sufficient physical activity.
The National Nutrition and Health Examination Survey (NHANES) analysis shows an increase in the amount and energy density of food eaten in the United States from 1976 to 1980 (NHANES II) and from 1999 to 2002. (NHANES III).
Studies have shown that per capita calorie consumption in the US has risen in the population from 1985 to 2002 by more than 300 kilocalories (kcal). The numbers have only increased over the last decade.
Food Choices
Individual food choices depend on a variety of factors, including:-
- Behavioral
- Cultural
- Environmental
- Socioeconomic influences
Food choices affect energy intake, working with physiological factors to determine body weight.
Why Does Fast Food Cause Obesity?
There are four basic causes why fast food is linked to obesity.
1. Unhealthful Ingredients
Much fast food contains a significant amount of sugar, fat, starch, and fewer minerals and vitamins. This means that you are taking a huge amount of unhealthy calories in fast food. This adds to weight gain and, ultimately, obesity. Most fast foods have excess sugar and fat levels that are directly related to increasing weight.
2. Larger Portions
Increased portion sizes further compound the unhealthy ingredients in fast food. They have risen in parallel with the average body weight from the 1970s to the present. While portions have become large, the person will always eat the whole meal regardless of whether he feels full. This means that people are eating larger portions of junk food, leading to abnormal weight gain.
3. Lower Cost
One of the biggest reasons people can’t avoid eating fast food is the low cost of food. The University of Washington performed research. According to it, a diet containing 2,000 calories of fast food costs much less than a diet containing 2,000 calories of nutritious food. This makes it more affordable than a balanced diet. Thus, it is a leading cause of obesity in lower-income classes.
4. Convenience
Fast food restaurants provide ease. You can always find one in your house’s near area. And you can even get food easily delivered to your home. This makes it an easy alternative to making food at home using healthy ingredients.
Studies have shown that fast food consumption has risen at an alarming rate in the last four decades. This increased calorie consumption is the leading cause of obesity in the United States. If we do not control it, health issues will increase in the coming years. It is because more people will become obese eating unhealthy fast food.
Fast foods
Studies have shown that food intake consumed away from home has also increased alarmingly over the last four decades. It is well known that eating out can lead to excess calorie consumption. It will increase the risk of obesity due to large portion sizes and increased energy density.
Fast food is used in this type of food. Fast food is mainly:-
- high in calories, saturated/trans fat, sugar, simple carbs, and sodium
Fast Food and BMI
Fast food is linked with increased body mass indexes, less effective weight loss control, and weight gain. It reduces dietary quality and provides unhealthy choices, especially among children. Fast foods increase their risk of obesity.
The cost of fast food consumption in 2010 was almost $164.8 billion. This was a 3% increase from 2009.
Fast Food and Child Obesity
Fast food also impacts children and youth more than adults. This is because most fast foods are intended for children. There is a sustained pattern of fast food consumption and eating out.
Children with a sustained over-energy consumption of about 2% develop obesity over time.
A 2% imbalance may mean an excess of only around 30 kilocalories per day. This corresponds to two-thirds of a chocolate chip, less than two French fries, or one-fourth of a soda can.
Eating out is another main factor in childhood obesity. Studies show that the calorie content of out-of-home meals eaten by children was 55% higher.
How To Avoid Consumption Of Fast Food?
Fast food is the mainstay of many people’s diets. This is due to its low cost, widespread availability, and favorable taste. Fast food, though, also causes a variety of health problems and can sometimes be addictive. Fortunately, by eliminating the temptation to consume fast food and replacing it with healthier options, you can significantly reduce fast-food consumption and hopefully stop eating it completely.
- Plan your snack
- Think before you drink
- Base meals around protein
- Start your day on the right foot
- Make healthier swaps
- Practice mindful eating
- Buy less junk food
- Save takeaways as a treat
- Skip colored plates
- Break your routine
- Keep sweets out of sight
- Keep the healthy stuff handy
- Know your trigger foods
- Chew more than you need
The Bottom Line: Fast Food Consumption
As a concluding statement, fast food is the main cause of obesity. It is because fast food induces addiction, and fast food advertisements target youth. This increases childhood obesity. Fast food also results in the disappearance of nutritious meals and diets. The prevalence of obesity is further increased by the fact that they are widely accessible and cost-effective.
