Fast Food Nation Research Paper

Fast Food Nation

The Dark Side of the All-American Meal

America is the king of deep fried, chocolate covered everything with a side of fries, making us doubt that we will ever recover. There are many links between fast food and obesity, such as people becoming overweight, a major rise child obesity and fast food places becoming more and more popular each day. Nearly 42% of American children are classified as obese. The net worth of McDonalds, one of the most unhealthy fast food places in the entire world, is over $92.5 billion. Americans spend more money on fast food than movies, games and even fresh food from the grocery store. According to an article on http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/, “As a result of these less healthy ingredients,

About 42% of minors stated that they eat fast food on a regular basis, making them more unhealthy than the other 58% of minors. Minors who digest fast food are more likely to gain about six pounds each year. Children who eat mostly fast food also do not get as much vitamin A and vitamin C. The article “Fast Food and Obesity in America” from livestrong.com states that, “Children who eat fast food regularly have a higher intake of hamburgers, pizza, fried potatoes and soft drinks and a lower intake of fruits, vegetables and milk than children who don’t eat fast food as often.” Many adolescents also drink soft drinks more than other, healthier drinks such as water. Many children do not get vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin B-12 and vitamin B-2 because they drink mostly soft drinks instead of water or milk. The reason childhood obesity is at an all time high is because many fast food places cater towards children. Children see these commercials with vibrant colors and fun music and they beg their parents to visit said fast food restaurant. As fast food places become more kid-friendly, childhood obesity

Children are always suckers for free toys and play places. Once they experience the “magic” of terrible food, they won’t want to stop any time soon.

Fast food places are on almost every other street in America. Back in the pioneer days, people had to plant crops to get their food. The article “Fast Food - Is it the Enemy?” from obesityaction.org tells us, “Most Americans are overscheduled and overcommitted. They run from activity to activity and do not make time to plan or prepare meals. It is just too easy to grab fast food on the way home from work, or treat the kids to a thick milkshake after a busy day at soccer practice. Having fast food everywhere makes this very easy.”

Obesity was not a problem at all because people had to work for their food. Today, we can pick up a food and order a pizza without ever leaving the house. Americans do not have to have a plan for a meal anymore when they can just drive to one of many burger places for a greasy patty for a low, low price. Now that we do not have to work for food, Americans are becoming lazier and lazier by the