Fast food is an easy and quick way to grab a meal on the go. However, eating fast food frequently provides the body with a high amount of calories, saturated and trans-fats and sugar with limited vitamins and minerals. Over time, this can lead to an increased risk for illness and disease.
Obesity
According to an article on CBS News, every day nearly one-third of US children aged 4 to 19 eat fast food, which likely packs on about six extra pounds per child per year and increases the risk of obesity, a study of 6,212 youngsters found. Fast food is high in calories and sugar that contribute to increased weight gain. Obesity can increase your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain cancers.
Heart Disease
Eating a Western diet with lots of processed or fried foods can raise blood levels of "oxidized" cholesterol -- a particularly damaging form of cholesterol -- and could increase heart attack risk, reports ScienceDaily. High blood cholesterol levels lead to the build-up of atherosclerotic plaques inside the arterial walls. Over time such plaques can cause the openings of the arteries to narrow, placing additional stress on the heart and raising blood pressure.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which the body becomes increasingly sensitive to insulin. Over time, the pancreas begins to produce little to no insulin leading to the lifelong need for medication. Diabetes contributes to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease and blindness. Fast food contains a high amount of sugar that when consumed in large amounts over time causes an increased risk for diabetes.
Stroke
High cholesterol leads to the build-up of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries that can dislodge and lead to the development of stroke. According to MayoClinic, being overweight or obese, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease can lead to an increased risk for stroke.
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