The fast food industry provides quick, cheap, and easy access to foods that in the customers opinion, is very delicious, and affordable, however this food which millions of people around the world are constantly consuming, could actually cause major health problems, and weight gain in the long run. Major fast food companies throughout the world know what they are doing when it comes to marketing towards all types of people. Some people will find numerous different things to blame for the epidemic of fast food making individuals overweight. In recent research on, or discussions of the fast food industry having an effect on people's health, a controversial issue has been raised, and that is the fact that this problem affects not only …show more content…
The issue of accessibility is very important, because without fast food being easily available for people to eat, we would not have nearly as many complications with health and obesity due to individuals over-eating foods which they should not. A study which had been done in Detroit to determine the frequency of residents going out, and dining at restaurants, and to show which of those trips were fast food establishments. Within this study it shows that, "Sixty percent of respondents reported traveling to a restaurant at least once per week, and the majority of those trips were to nearby fast food restaurants." (Eckert, Vojnovic). In this quote, it displays how many people truly dedicate the majority of their meals to fast food, only because that is the only thing which is easily accessible to them. Additionally, the availability of fast food to the consumer must be understood because in the They say I say article, "Don't blame the eater", the author similarly references the effect this has on society. The author writes, "Drive down any through frame in America, and I guarantee you'll see one of our country's more than 13,000 McDonald's restaurants. Now drive back up the block and try to find someplace to buy a grapefruit."(Zinczenko 463). Essentially, this quote means that there is such an abundance of fast food restaurants throughout America, that it is more or less the only option that individuals will have to grab a quick bite to eat on a
America is known as the fattest country in the world. Is fast food the culprit? According to the article, "F as in Fat 2005," America's obesity rate in 2005 was a whopping 60%. Many people believe that this is due to the increasing popularity in fast food. It is much easier to go through a drive through and pick up a meal than making the food yourself. When eating out, people are more likely to eat more than when they cook. Meals at fast food and restaurants have become popular, in America the size of each meal is significantly bigger than any other country. According to Christina Sarlch, author of “Guess How Many Calories Are In A Typical Fast Food Meal” the amount of calories in a fast food meal is a gouging 1100 calories with a drink .The average number of calories needed for a person is 2000-2500 calories . Split between 3 meals that averages out to 666.67-833.33 calories a meal. Of course not many people follow that suggested calorie intake.
Fast food has a harmful effect on society because it can cause obesity. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry believes obesity “Overweight children are much more likely to become overweight adults unless they adopt and maintain healthier patterns of eating and exercise.” (parag. 1).The causing and treating of obesity is complex but it is the most recognizable disease. Consistently eating fast food and a poor can lead to obesity in anyone. The risks of obesity include an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, fast food “Studies have shown that over the past four decades, consumption of food eaten away from home has also risen alarmingly” (parag. 8). This means that fast food is high in fat, sugar, salt, carbs, calories, saturated and trans fats. This type of eating leads to a higher body mass index or gained weight. Children and adolescents are at a
Did you know that “every day 1 in 4 Americans visit a fast food restaurant? If that’s not alarming to you, then consider this, left unabated, obesity will surpass smoking as the leading cause of preventable death in America.” (Clark, Charles) Fast food has become a part of American culture. With the way the world is today who wouldn’t want to eat somewhere that can have you in and out in five minutes for fewer than five dollars? It has been made very clear that Americans love to eat as we rank number one most years as the world’s most obese nation, but it’s not just America. In his documentary, Morgan Spurlock notes that, “Popular fast food chains like McDonalds, now operate in more than 126 countries in six continents having more than 31,000 restaurants globally.” (Spurlock 2004) The most alarming part about all of these statistics is the groups they most affect. The catchy advertisements and addictive qualities of the food is what has everyone coming back for more. Fast food companies advertisements targeting the young and lower classes are the cause for the obesity epidemic in America.
Fast food, in today’s society, has become a major part of individuals’ lives. For it’s easy, quick and cheap food. While any meal with low preparation time can be considered to be fast food, typically it is referred to as low quality, prepackaged foods that have little preparation time. Through further research of fast food restaurants and their role in the obesity epidemic in America, it lead to further conclusions on the need for changes that must be done in order to combat obesity. There are, however, multiple individuals who feel that the fast food industry is simply taking a toll on Americans and their health. For instance, the article “Don’t blame the Eater” explains the battle of fast food chains in America, and the major causes of this epidemic. Obesity in America, costs the United States about 147 billion dollars annually. In a recent article, Author Eric Finkelstein, a researcher for Triangle Park conducted a study in which explains the multiple causes and affects of fast food chains and its role in creating an unhealthy society. Considerably, “The Effect of Fast food Restaurants on Obesity”, an in depth article written by authors Janet Currie, Stefano DellaVigna, Enrico Moretti and Vikram Pathania, share their studies and findings on how fast food chains are indeed a major player in obesity across the country, as well as a leading player in the up rise in health related illnesses. There is a connection between neighborhood scarcity and fast food industries.
However, this is not the case as fast food restaurants are vastly spread increasing chances of ordering meals from them instead of cooking at home. This, however, is not a concrete reason to blame fast foods for the heightened levels of obesity in America. There are cases where people do not reside near fast food restaurants but take the time to travel to purchase the fast foods. Thus, it is clear that locality of fast food restaurant is not to reproach for the high levels of obesity in America, but the people bear the blame. People choose to walk into restaurants and order fast foods regularly amid the danger surrounding their decision (Davies, and Hiram 42).
When someone thinks of various fast food restaurants, they often think of quick and easy way to obtain food. However they do not stop to think about how it is affecting their health. Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser exposes to the public that various fast food restaurants, such as McDonalds, are detrimental for your health. He does this by showing the reader how unhealthy the food is to the public, as well as showing us how they make their food more desirable to buy to the general population. The one problem that arisen from fast food restaurants is the increase of childhood obesity since the beginning of fast food.
Around 160,000 fast food franchises have been opened all over America. America is the most obese country in this world. Healthy food is supplement rich, yet fast food has a tendency to be poor in nutrients and high in calories. Know that fast food can satisfy our day by day calories requirements; not only it gives us calories, but it also harms our health with other ingredients. For instance, fast food is high in soaked fats and trans fats. In addition, it has additives, chemicals, and artificial flavors. Fast food impacts our health and causes infections, for example, heart disease, diabetes, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. On the other hand, healthy food provides the best nutrients and protects our body from sickness, since it contains vitamins, proteins, and minerals. Fast food is addictive and unhealthy. (Obesity in America) (Chronic
America is one of the fattest countries in the world and is getting fatter by the second. Fast food used to be simple, small portions, less calories, and even simple menus. Now wherever you turn, there is a restaurant just right around the corner. Just in the past ten years the range of food choices has emerged. Fast food is the reason why health problems have become a major health issue in the United States. Although fast food has made it easier on Americans, Americans are at risk of preventable health issues, like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes; therefore, fast food has impacted Americans in a negative way.
This is continuing to be a major concern as this “convenience” is causing an increase in weight from youth all the way to adults. It`s more typical in today 's age for families to be in a constant rush with work or their children 's schedules, that fast food becomes their instant go in order to save time. On average, families eat at a dine-in restaurant once a week while they go go through fast food drive thrus several times a week (Murphy). Being a high school and college student, it is extremely convenient with my busy and on the go constant schedule, to pull through a drive thru at a fast food restaurant and order something quick before heading to my next event. A recent survey from 50 various fast food customers showed how the convenience of a drive thru makes them select fast food locations more frequently chosen. 80% of the customers selected responded that they enjoy eating fast food and eat it on a daily basis. This is largely due to the fact that the wait time for meals at these locations are much shorter than dine in restaurants (Cox). As there is no way to beat this type of convenience when it comes to food, it is affecting people 's health at a vast rate. The blindness of the consumers to the content of the food is one of the greatest causes of the fast food epidemic and the health risks it brings. People are now becoming more at risk to more serious health issues from being overweight and continuing to put
Fast food has without a doubt changed the way people eat in America, and is partly to blame for diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. According to Murray (40) more than 300, 000 every year are related to obesity. Individuals should know what they are consuming and how it is prepared or made; they should spend their hard earned money on restaurants that make healthy food. So why is fast food unhealthy? Fast food may look tasty and appealing, however, they contain a myriad of hidden health hazards that are dangerous if consumed in large quantities and are a primary cause of obesity, particularly in children. The effects of eating fast food on a person’s health are: increase in blood pressure, a delay in the metabolic rate, increase in the levels of bad cholesterol, destabilization of blood sugar levels, and weakening of the immune system. Furthermore, the effects of fast food include obesity, nutritional deficiencies, and cardiac problems among other health hazards. No one is forcing individuals to eat fast food, but the fact is that fast food restaurants will change when consumers demand changes. Even if three percent of Americans complained about fast food, it would make a substantial drop in
It has been a controversial debate whether fast food is blamed for the increased rate of obesity in America. As how it is called, fast food has become a convenient and effortless option for people on the go to fill their stomachs. It seems that the prices are too cheap causing fast food to be the easiest way out of this tough economy. “It's easy, it's filling, and it's convenient and inexpensive” ("Americans”). However, the consumers play the most important role in bringing a solution to obesity, though the fast food industry are resolved to provide them with nutritious and healthy foods. In most of public debates, the extensive accessibility of the fast-food eateries is often supposed to be the dominant factor of the Americans’ rocketing obesity
Obesity among Americans has been a growing issue in the United States predominantly over the past decade. Many may argue American’s are obese because of poor food choices, over-eating, genetic disposition, lack of exercise, or the environment which one lives, while others blame it all on fast-food chains and restaurants. Throughout my research I have come to find a lot of facts and statistics about fast food consumption causing obesity. Statistics show that without a doubt the United States is the most obese country in the world.
The convenience of fast food plays a major role in how often people eat it. When driving down a main road chances are you will see a countless number of fast food restaurants and drive thrus. I know that it saves time and money for people who are coming home from work but people should plan out their meals nights before. One generation ago three quarters of the money that is used to buy food was spent on fresh food to cook at home. Now almost half of that same money is used to purchase fast food (Introduction). Fast food is also cheap which adds to the reasons why people enjoy it. The parents will allow the children to order what they want because chances are it only will cost them a couple of dollars. Childhood obesity rates go up as the prices of fast food goes down (Introduction). In 1970 over six billion dollars were spent on fast food. In 2014 one hundred ninety-five dollars were spent (Kelly). The fast food industry is aware of the power it has over American citizens and it is going to use that power
Fast food restaurants have provided people easy access to a quick meal. However, the increase in substituting home cooked healthy meals with these fast food choices has lead to any changes in the American population today. The lack of nutritional value and high carbohydrate and trans fat found in many fast food meals have led to obesity and other major health problems. The effects of eating an increased amount of fast food can be seen by taking a unbiased look at the American people today.
Global influences of the fast food industry are shown in the health problems in society today. The cheap production of meat and grains for the fast food industry cause harm to the environment, humans, and animals. The fast food that is consumed is not only bad for the health of people but also for the environment. As food provides more than just sustenance; it increasingly has come to shape and mediate our understanding of ourselves and our culture.