fast food impact on health essay

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The Impact of Fast Food on Health and Lifestyle: An In-depth Analysis

1. introduction.

Fast food has become a common staple in the diet of many people. This could be due to a variety of reasons including that it's easily accessible and doesn't cost a lot to buy. Many people eat from fast food seeming to be completely unaware of its health ramifications and the accompanying effects. In actual fact, individuals who consume fast food are at a higher risk of gaining weight, becoming obese and acquiring other diseases. The number of fast food restaurants has doubled since 1970. This has led to the increasing prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In recent times, there are business analysts and medical reports claiming that fast food does have a negative impact on health and a contributing factor to the rise in obesity. This may be linked to the size of portion junk foods sold at fast food outlets and therefore focusing on the kind of individuals targeted by these companies. This research aims to identify the key factors and features of fast food which attract so many people of all ages. It will also detail the consequences and alternatives consumers of fast food. The primary output of this research will be a clear idea of the degree of impact that fast food has on health and lifestyle.

1.1. Background

The first fast-food restaurant came to the United States in 1916 when J. Walter Anderson opened the first White Castle chain in Wichita, Kansas. In the decades that followed, other drive-thrus and food chains began to emerge, and by the 1950s, the first McDonald's restaurant was franchised, signaling the beginning of a successful and profitable period that lasted for some sixty years without any real opposition. However, the prosperity of fast food chains began being questioned in the late 1990s, when several research studies discovered the poor nutritional value of fast food products.

1.2. Problem Statement

Fast foods often contain too many calories and too little nutrition. The consumption of fast foods has been rising in a significant manner all over the world, which lead to major health concern. A report published by the United States Department of Agriculture concluded that the consumption of fast food has led to an increase in calorie intake, which is linked to obesity. Fast foods are high in sugar, and additional sugar found in them can cause an increase in blood pressure, according to a study published in the journal Open Heart.

1.3. Research Objectives

The main aim of this project is to reveal the impacts of fast food on human health and lifestyle. The following were the specific objectives designed in order to achieve the research aim: to elaborate the types of fast food and their nutritional contents, to explain the positive and negative impacts of consuming fast food on human body, to identify the demographic characteristics of fast food consumers, to analyze the trends of fast food consumption and to examine the change in food habits and preferences after being exposed to fast food.

2. The Health Effects of Fast Food Consumption

Obesity, a known medical disorder, is sparked by the occurrence of a hazardous body mass level. This condition, in line with other fast food related side effects causes the health conditions outlined and is a major effect on health and lifestyle. The levels in blood cholesterol see a rise, causing a deficiency in the level of minerals, vitamins and fiber in an individual's body. Fast food contains sodium, which not only affects adults but also children. It is known to increase autism, and Kidney related problems. Furthermore, children's school performance is in grave danger due to the effect of fast food consumption. Young adults and college going students too are at the same level of risk. All these effects have long term unforeseen complications with them and worsen with added consumption of fast food. In a study conducted by Greenpeace, it estimated that 14 million acres are used to raise the cattle for producing beef just to meet the American demand. These chemicals are toxic and can be seen as fats and oils that use to fry the food that is heated to high temperatures which are known to produce carcinogenic elements. It is important to consider these harmful elements, as the production of meat and waste from fast food outlets play a major role in environmental depletion. As ubiquitous as the approach of these fast food companies can be, they have altered their outlets, target group and food menu. There will be little impact in improvements unless efforts are made. The marketing strategies in the present day is a crucial matter to be brought under control.

2.1. Obesity and Weight Gain

Obesity can be attributed to the high levels of fats and sugars in fast food, which can be harmful when consumed regularly. Fast food is generally calorie-rich, and there are concerns that consumption of fast food, especially in high quantities over time that can lead to obesity, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease. Though the risk of obesity is not affected by fast food consumption alone, it is more relevant when considering the general lifestyle of the individual. There are numerous cases of people who have consumed fast food every day and never suffering from any serious diseases such as diabetes or obesity. It becomes more of an issue when combined with no exercise, no physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle because without burning off the calories, it gets stored away in the body as fats. In today's world, people are choosing a quick option for food, and the cost for these quick options of fast food is obesity. If you are eating fast food twice a week, and then it can ultimately lead to weight gain.

2.2. Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) incorporate heart attacks, strokes and hypertension. These diseases are responsible for 17.9 million deaths globally, about 31% of total global deaths.Heart-related conditions are mainly caused by excessive sodium and bad cholesterol that accumulate as plaque in your blood vessels. Fast food is the primary culprit in this situation. Fast food lacks fiber, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and has a high amount of low-density lipoproteins (LDL or 'bad cholesterol').Consuming fast food for just a few weeks has been shown to dramatically increase the risk for diabetes, heart diseases and stroke. High cholesterol can build up in your arteries over time, eventually leading to heart attacks and strokes.

2.3. Type 2 Diabetes

It is a common diabetes that appears in adulthood and is closely linked to being overweight. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the body's cells do not react to insulin. The primary symptoms are increased thirst, needing to pass urine more often, fatigue, and weight loss. The complications are the same as for type 1 diabetes.

2.4. Nutritional Deficiencies

Now, we turn our attention towards nutrient deficiencies that may result from the consumption of fast food. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies may occur if an individual does not participate in a well-balanced diet, as fast foods generally lack the essential nutrients necessary for optimal health. Some common vitamins and minerals that are lacking in most fast foods include: Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Fiber. Moreover, people that eat lots of fast food will consume more sugary soda, which has been connected to the reduced consumption of vitamin A, magnesium, and Vitamin C. Therefore, consuming fast foods leads to imbalances in the body, and these may affect the body in numerous ways over time.

3. The Influence of Fast Food on Lifestyle Choices

Fast food can be a tempting meal choice for many people, particularly as they are becoming busier than ever. That said, according to another study, habits such as making healthier food choices can play a key role as well. It was argued that those who were considered “fast food lovers” were 24% less likely to feel able to make a healthy food choice, and were seen to consume greater amounts of fats and sugars. These findings suggest that both time constraints and poor dietary choices could play a role in predicting someone’s fast-food intake. In addition to these factors, social and cultural issues could potentially play a significant role in the increased consumption of fast food.

3.1. Time Constraints and Convenience

It is a common belief that fast food consumption is on the rise as the contemporary world is becoming more and more fast-paced; the vast array of fast food models and convenience is certainly appealing today. Moreover, as manpower is getting replaced by technology, the majority of the consumers have less time to spend on food related activities or cooking at home. This is a major factor that has led to fast food consumption as it is now considered a norm amongst the youngsters, working class and even among elderly people. Fast food is a convenient and an affordable option for busy and time constrained individuals. It is often difficult for people who are constantly working out or again students who also are working with studies to have a good healthy meal if they are constantly on the move. In fact, researchers have been looking into the common misconceptions on fast food availability and have provided evidence to suggest that fast food is not only available beyond busy highways, but also in consumer hot spots such as shopping malls and high streets.

3.2. Eating Habits and Food Preferences

Continual exposure to advertisements for fast food, an environment where fast food is disproportionately available, and the palatability and low cost of fast food make it difficult to abstain from overconsumption. The demographic of those suffering the most has since expanded to include a larger ratio of lower-income families and individuals and to have started at younger ages. Fast food restaurants have responded to their critics with token changes, but are still saturating society with their products. Moreover, fast food companies have launched aggressive campaigns to market their food to children, particularly those from the ages of 5-8.

3.3. Social and Cultural Factors

Social and cultural aspects of society such as the symbolism of food and family structures are key aspects to be considered when analyzing the effect of fast food on society. Food has always had a great importance in our lives and this behavior is passed from generation to generation. People who rely on fast food all the time, for example, could teach their children to do the same and thus contribute to the fast food cycle. This is due to the fact that fast food develops rituals, sharing and identity, which ties to the close relationship of traditions within families and society. Other factors that are considerations are the role of the industry of fast food on social behavior and its influence in global societies.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Fast Food — The Fast Food Industry: Its Impact on Public Health and Society

The Fast Food Industry: Its Impact on Public Health and Society

• Categories: Fast Food

About this sample

Words: 796 |

Published: Jan 29, 2024

Words: 796 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

History and growth of the fast food industry, impact on public health, economic and societal implications, corporate accountability and responsibility, government regulation and intervention.

• Statista. Fast food industry - statistics & facts.
• Business Insider. These are the 10 countries that consume the most fast food in the world.
• CDC. Adult Obesity Facts.
• Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. Food Advertising and Marketing Directed at Children and Adolescents in the US.
• NELP. Getting by with a little help from our friends: The growth of the fast food industry's labor practices.
• Climate Reality. Fast Food is Going Green—And That's Good News for the Planet.

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