Introduction
It is hard to disagree that modern times offer people more opportunities and challenges than before. These new concerns are often related to the options and temptations of developing technologies and the world. For example, in today’s fast-paced life, many people lack sufficient time for complete and balanced meals, which is where fast food comes to the rescue. This modern solution, perceived as a great daily option by most individuals, is believed to lead to increasing rates of obesity among children and adults. While some people argue that there are many other causes of this issue, statistics and research indicate a direct link between the consumption of junk food and drinks and high body mass index in Americans, suggesting that effective measures should be taken.
Defining the Key Terms
Before delving deeper into the discussion, it is essential to define what is meant by ‘fast food’ and ‘obesity.’ The former is related to “ultra-processed food with high levels of sugar, salt, fat, such as “bakery products, beverages, burgers, caffeinated drinks, chips, chocolates, noodles, pizza, soft drinks, and sugar-sweetened drinks” (Singh S. et al.). Therefore, McDonald’s food and frozen meals, such as lasagna, are included in the term. Further, ‘obesity’ and ‘high body mass index’ mean having excessive body fat that can lead to numerous health problems (Mayo Clinic Staff). When a person is simply overweight, their BMI is 25.0-29.9; however, when it exceeds 30.0, their weight status is classified as obesity.
Obesity and Fast-Food Intake Prevalence Among Children and Adults in the U.S.
Statements are not considered credible unless supported by statistics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12.7%, 20.7%, and 22.2% of children aged 2–5, 6–11, and 12–19 years, respectively, are obese. (“Obesity and Overweight”). The percentage of obese adults older than 20 is 41.9, and if overweight people are also included, the number grows to 73.6%. These data are relevant to 2017-March 2020, and researchers state that the COVID-19 pandemic has deteriorated the situation for children and adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Obesity and Overweight”).
Furthermore, approximately one-third of all adults in the U.S. consume junk food and sweetened beverages daily (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Fast Food”). According to Fryar et al., “during 2015–2018, children and adolescents consumed on average 13.8% of their daily calories from fast food on a given day” (1). These are shocking numbers, and there is evidently a link between higher junk food intake and the growing rates of obesity.
Relationship Between Fast Food Consumption and Obesity Rates
There is a well-known saying: “We are what we eat.” From a scientific perspective, this is indeed true. It is no secret that proper nutrition is key to good health, but is it possible to obtain the required nutrients and vitamins when primarily eating junk food and ultra-processed meals? As summarized by Mayo Clinic Staff, “a diet that’s high in calories, lacking in fruits and vegetables, full of fast food, and laden with high-calorie beverages and oversized portions contributes to weight gain.” This statement is explored in detail in the following paragraphs.
For the human body to function correctly, it must receive sufficient amounts of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals. This means that the reason fast food is not healthy is not limited to its high-calorie content. As Singh S. et al. stated, “obesity is not only linked to calories but rather the sort of calories consumed” – these are ’empty’ calories that do not hold any healthy energy.
For example, after consuming a nutritionally imbalanced burger and drinking Coke, an individual’s body receives excess amounts of sugars, fats (including trans fats), and carbohydrates, compared with low intakes of protein and dietary fiber. Burgers usually contain vegetables, but not enough, especially compared to the sauce and bread, to be considered a healthy food (Mohammadbeigi et al., E237). As a result, many empty calories from a burger and Coke satiate for a short time, and a person feeling hungry consumes more than their daily calorie intake (Mohammadbeigi et al. E237). The latter leads to growing body fat and obesity.
Further, mentioning the addictiveness of fast food and sweetened beverages is essential. Many people notice that the more junk and ultra-processed meals they consume, the more they want (Fuhrman). The reason is that such food is filled with sugars, and higher intakes make people’s brains release dopamine – a chemical responsible for pleasure and satisfaction (Fuhrman). As a consequence, a person becomes like a drug addict, needing more junk food to feel good, and this addiction again leads to obesity.
The final argument refers to the increased availability of fast and ultra-processed meals and low awareness of their actual harm. As mentioned earlier in the paper, many people’s lives are fast-paced, and it becomes a true challenge to find time to buy healthy ingredients, cook a nutritious meal, and consume it without rushing or being distracted by other tasks. Instead, numerous adults prefer driving through a fast-food restaurant and eating sandwiches or ice cream on their way to work. The same is true for children – schools often provide junk food, and parents also find it easier to give their kids fast-food meals. Living with this unhealthy habit, many children and adolescents do not know about the nutritional value of junk food and healthy food, and prefer the former, which makes them obese.
Ways to Solve the Issue
Finally, listing some ways to address the discussed issue is vital. The primary approach is to reduce Americans’ access to junk food and sweetened drinks and improve the availability of well-balanced meals. Further, if fast-food restaurants made certain dishes include more fresh vegetables and fewer sauces, people would not have available alternatives. They would have to get used to eating these ‘healthier’ burgers. The same is true for schools – children should be provided with nutritious meals, and access to junk food and snacks should be restricted. Indeed, all these suggestions seem to be policy-related, but it is more effective to start from the national level and make the citizens change their eating habits.
Conclusion
To conclude, the direct link between higher obesity rates and increased intake of junk and processed food is proven. Numerous causes and factors strengthen this connection, including fast food’s addictiveness, easy availability, nutritional value, and others. The levels of obesity among adults and children in the U.S. are devastating, and effective measures should be taken to improve the situation and make the nation healthier.
Works Cited
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Fast Food Consumption Among Adults in the United States, 2013–2016.” CDC.
—. “Obesity and Overweight.” CDC.
Fryar, Cheryl D., et al. “Fast Food Intake Among Children and Adolescents in the United States, 2015–2018.” NCHS Data Brief, no. 375, 2020, pp. 1-8.
Fuhrman, Joel. “Just one Bite” of Junk Food Fuels Food Addiction and Obesity.” Dr. Fuhrman.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Obesity.” Mayo Clinic.
Mohammadbeigi, A., et al. “Fast Food Consumption and Overweight/Obesity Prevalence in Students and Its Association with General and Abdominal Obesity.” Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, vol. 59, no. 3, 2018, pp. E236-E240.
Singh S, Ankul, et al. “Junk Food-Induced Obesity- A Growing Threat to Youngsters During the Pandemic.” Obesity Medicine, vol. 26, 2021.