Every day we see new fast food joints opening up. The popularity of fast foods is alarming. Doctors and scientists are trying to make the public aware that there are many risks associated with eating fast food daily. Of course, a person can enjoy it occasionally but if you consume it on a daily basis, it is bound to affect your health. There are more than 160,000 fast food restaurants in the US alone. An estimated 50 million Americans eat fast food daily from which 44% have it at least once a week. (Statistic Brain)
Research shows that fast foods contain a huge quantity of saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium, caffeine, calories and carbohydrates that are all dangerous for the health. If a person’s diet is completely based on fast food on a daily basis, then he is at a higher risk of high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease and stroke. The risk of disease increases by 41% if a person consumes fast food six days a week according to the Associated Press. Fast food contains high levels of fructose corn syrup that have been seen to cause weight gain. Fast food is usually dripping in oil and is deep-fried. The sodas that we consume in the combo meals are full of sugar. These are all unhealthy habits that people get addicted to fast. These foods contain much more than the daily recommended dose by doctors.
People eat fast food because they feel that it is cheaper, more convenient and most of all, tasty. However, they do not realize the risks that are associated with it. Fast food not only poses health problems, there are other issues as well. Having fast food on a daily basis has become a social norm. This develops poor social habits. Commercials depict friends enjoying a meal at a famous fast food joint. However, fast food robs children of developing homemaking skills. Families no longer get to sit on the table together and have a meal. It seems that the only time families gather for a meal is at Christmas or Thanksgiving. Children easily associate fast food with happiness. Therefore, whenever they feel low, the answer is to go out and have fast food. (B.)
Having fast food on a daily basis can be hard on the wallet also. Fast food is an addiction and the fast food companies are aware of this fact. When a person spends a dollar on fast food, he is bound to return and spend another. This way a dollar here and there might add up to a significant amount in a matter of weeks only. People think of fast food as a cheaper option. Nevertheless, if we add up the amount of medical bills it will cause, it is much more than what you would have had to cook at home. (B.)
Our generation is now experiencing all sorts of new diseases. We now see our children reach puberty at a much lower age. All these problems are linked to the hormones that are included in the fast foods that we eat so lovingly. Our only way to prevent this from happening is to limit our use of red meat and to avoid fast food as much as possible. There are hundreds of other more food options that are healthier and satisfying to the taste buds.
Works Cited
B., Kim. "Frugal & Healthy: 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Eat Fast Food." Yahoo Contributor Network. N.p., 24 Dec. 2013. Web. 6 Apr. 2014. <http://voices.yahoo.com/frugal-healthy-5-reasons-why-shouldnt-eat-fast-12463372.html?cat=5>.
Statistic Brain. "Fast Food Statistics." Statistic Brain RSS. N.p., 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 6 Apr. 2014. <http://www.statisticbrain.com/fast-food-statistics/>.
