Fast Food, Your Diet & Your Health

Fast food often provides an outsize number of calories in the daily diet of many Americans. That's why fast food is considered a factor in the rising number of overweight and obese people in most age groups. Fast food meals typically are higher in fat and sodium, and are larger size portions than similar items cooked at home. The extra nutrients, in turn, can contribute to weight gain and an increased risk of chronic health conditions.

Health Considerations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that the health risks associated with being overweight or obese are many. These include an increased possibility of developing coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, stroke, liver and gallbladder disease, and sleep apnea. Your diet plays a significant role in contributing to weight, because the balance of calories consumed versus used through exercise and daily life can become distorted if you regularly consume more calories than you need.

Fat vs. Fast

The chief problem with fast food is not that it is prepared quickly but that it is usually higher in fat than the foods you prepare at home. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans website shows that your fat intake should contribute no more than 35 percent of your total calories. In addition, it recommends that you get only 10 percent of that fat from saturated fat, such as the fat provided by meat and full-fat dairy foods. A high-fat diet can lead to an elevated blood LDL cholesterol level, which increases your risk for coronary heart disease, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Sodium

Fast food also contains a considerable amount of sodium; the Medline Plus website shows that sodium is added to many foods, including processed meats and condiments. Healthy adults should limit their salt intake to no more than 2,300 mg per day. Excess sodium in the diet contributes to hypertension, or high blood pressure. The amount of sodium varies by the fast food item, so carefully read the labels and nutrition information about the menu item before you order.

Portions

Restaurants often provide larger portions than you would serve yourself; the American Dietetic Association recommends that you eat less than what is served to you at restaurants. Overeating contributes to an overall excess calorie intake. If this happens regularly, you will gain weight. In turn, excess weight could lead to obesity and increased risk of developing chronic conditions. When eating fast food, consider ordering a child-sized portion or select single items rather than meal combinations, Medline Plus recommends.

Body Mass Index

Scientists from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill's Department of Nutrition found that increased consumption of fast food over time correlates with increased body mass index. However, higher restaurant patronage in general did not necessarily have the same effect. Although restaurants and fast food establishments both serve food higher in fat, sodium and calories than homemade versions, researchers found that fast food consumption has a stronger impact on weight over time. Increased body mass index numbers indicate a higher risk of chronic health concerns, including type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.