This paper examines the wide-ranging dangers of fast food in the United States, arguing that despite its convenience and low cost, fast food poses serious threats to public health, the environment, and the broader economy. The paper surveys why Americans choose fast food, then analyzes its role in rising obesity rates and related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. It also addresses the environmental consequences of fast food packaging waste and corporate agricultural practices, the economic dominance of a handful of giant corporations, and the ways in which those corporations have strategically targeted youth. The paper concludes with recommendations for individual and collective action to reduce fast food consumption.
The dangers of fast food have been a much-discussed topic in recent years. Although fast food is convenient and inexpensive, we as a society need to stop eating fast food because it increases health problems, impacts the environment, and has created a food economy dominated by giant corporations. The dictionary defines fast food as food "that is prepared in quantity by a standardized method and can be dispensed quickly at inexpensive restaurants for eating there or elsewhere" (Dictionary.com, 2010). In the United States, the best-known fast food restaurants include Burger King, McDonald's, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. These are popular establishments where customers can get a quick, inexpensive meal that is usually unhealthy.
Obesity is one of the major consequences linked to fast food consumption, and it represents a major threat to the health of our country. According to Young and Nestle (2007), the size of fast food portions "have increased in parallel with rising rates of overweight." This paper discusses some of the key dangers of fast food: how it can cause obesity, how it impacts our environment, and how it has created an economy dominated by giant corporations.
People choose fast food for many reasons — it is inexpensive, convenient, and tastes good. "Buying healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats increases a food budget by 5,000% per calorie" (Ulrich, 2005). Fast food is a major part of the average American's lunch choices. Americans are busy; they need a meal that is quick, easily accessible, and affordable. The fast food industry has spent many years and considerable resources creating brands that are highly desirable to consumers.
A study conducted by Blanck et al. (2009) found that younger adults and less educated people are more likely to make fast food their daily lunch choice. They also found that one of the most important factors for consumers when purchasing lunch was convenience. These findings underscore why fast food remains so deeply embedded in American eating habits despite its well-documented health risks.
According to Hellmich (2006), people who choose to eat fast food meals are consuming more calories and fats than they realize. Hellmich found that Americans consume an average of 159 fast food meals per year — roughly three meals per person per week. Supersizing meals is another major problem. Nutritional intake labels are designed for standard-sized portions, and it is therefore difficult for the average consumer to calculate the nutritional content of a super-sized meal. Hellmich (2006) found that most people were consuming approximately 500 more calories than they assumed when eating fast food. The unrecognized intake of extra calories and fat is a serious concern.
Eating these unhealthy meals frequently can lead to many different types of health problems. Many of the health conditions associated with the consumption of foods high in trans fat and excessive calories are life-altering diseases. Fast food is linked to obesity, which in turn leads to other medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes are not curable — they are lifelong illnesses. Although these conditions can be managed, once an individual is diagnosed they must alter their lifestyle permanently.
"Consumption of fast food, which has high energy densities and glycemic loads and exposes customers to excessive portion sizes, may be greatly contributing to and escalating the rates of overweight and obesity in the U.S.A." (Rosenheck, 2008). Foods that are high in trans fats, sugar, and salt, when frequently consumed alongside a lack of exercise, can lead to obesity (Ulrich, 2005). Since 1990 there has been a 33% increase in deaths related to obesity in the United States. About 400,000 people die each year because of poor diet and physical inactivity, representing a significant threat to American public health. According to the Surgeon General, 27% of Americans are obese and 61% are overweight (Ulrich, 2005).
There is a direct correlation between fast food consumption and being overweight. Morland and Evenson (2009) found that areas with more supermarkets and fewer fast food restaurants had a lower prevalence of obesity. According to Fraser and Edwards (2010), "there is a positive relationship between the density of fast food outlets per area and the obesity status of children. There is also a significant association between fast food outlet density and areas of higher deprivation." This is a growing health concern that must be addressed to protect the well-being of Americans, particularly children.
"Obesity rates, stigma, and healthcare costs"
"Packaging waste and corporate agricultural harm"
"Giant corporations reshaping food and labor"
"Education, awareness, and consumer action"
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