Fast food is one of the most controversial topics in America. The convenience and affordability is appealing to many in the US. However, Fast food is associated with higher body mass index, less successful weight-loss maintenance, and weight gain. Fast foods reduce the quality of diet and provide unhealthy choices especially among children and adolescents raising their risk of obesity. 

Despite the popularity on this topic, it has been difficult to observe and establish a relationship between fast food and obesity. It isn’t clear whether fast food chains should be blamed for the increase in health risks or if it is a result of the choices made by Americans. Fast food restaurants and obesity have both increased over time is insufficient proof of their connection, as are studies that rely on differences in fast food consumption across individuals, since people who eat more fast food may be prone to other behaviors that affect obesity. 

Fast food is a significant part of the American food landscape, with numerous chains and a large number of restaurants. McDonald’s is the largest restaurant chain in America by sales, and other popular chains include Subway, Starbucks, and Taco Bell. 

Health Effects

Regularly eating fast food can negatively affect your health, increasing the risk of weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and even mental health issues like depression and anxiety.  Risks of fast food are:

• Obesity and Weight Gain 
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Digestive Problems
• High Blood Pressure
• Nutrient Deficiency
• Mental Health Issues
• Addiction
• Increased Risk of Certain Cancers
• Poor Liver Health

Mrs. Bruno, a physical education teacher at Point Pleasant Borough High School, shared  her views on the topic. When asked why fast food is addictive she responded, “[Fast food] Contributes to the epidemic of disease and obesity in our country, Doordash and technology also add to this epidemic.” 

She also added, “We are lacking our vital nutrients that we get from whole foods and thus dysregulates our vital body processes”. Mrs. Bruno believes that the epidemic of fast food is growing and causing more harm than good. Fast food takes away from the natural whole foods that people used to consume.

Would you risk your health for the convenience of a greasy McDonald’s cheeseburger?