Why does fast food make you fat

Underweight Americans actually consumed more soda and sweet snacks than average-weight individuals, while overweight, obese, severely obese and morbidly obese individuals consumed less soda, sweet snacks and salty snacks than average-weight individuals. Morbidly obese people with a BMI of Dietary habits obviously play a role and, according to a recent study, residents in some U.

And there are some other culprits — aside from French fries — but they exist across a range of meals. The number of calories consumed every day spiked for grains such as white bread calories in versus calories in , oil and dairy fats versus calories and added sugars versus calories. Americans also get most of their daily sodium from processed food and restaurant food. This means that you are taking in large amount of unhealthy calories in the shape of fast food which leads to weight gain and ultimately obesity.

Most of the fast foods have exceeding levels of sugar and fats which are directly associated with increasing weight. The unhealthy ingredients of the fast food are further aggravated with increased portion sizes which have grown parallel with the average body weight of a person from the 70s to date.

While the portions have become large, the person will still eat the complete meal regardless of feeling full or not. This means that people are eating bigger portions of junk food leading to abnormal weight gain.

Fast food restaurants located near schools might be a contributing factor in childhood obesity, according to an analysis performed at the University of Nebraska. Their analysis determined the most significant relationship between fast food restaurants and school-level obesity rates was found when the establishment was located within a quarter-mile from schools. Taste is another major motivating factor that brings repeat business to fast food establishments.

High fat and sugar content not only increase the fattening effect of fast foods, they increase its flavor. In addition, the average American consumes 52 gallons of soda. Being a fast eater is associated with overeating. Obesity is one of the biggest health problems worldwide. In fact, complicated environmental and lifestyle factors are at play 3. For example, fast eating has been studied as a potential risk factor for becoming overweight and obese 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8.

One recent review of 23 studies found that fast eaters were approximately twice as likely to be obese, compared with slow eaters 9. Fast eating is associated with excess body weight. In fact, fast eaters may be up to twice as likely to be obese compared with those who eat slowly.

Eating fast may increase your risk of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. It may also lead to poor digestion and decreased your enjoyment of food. It may increase your levels of fullness hormones, help you feel more satisfied, and decrease your calorie intake 1 , Like all new habits, eating slowly takes practice and patience.