Fast food is readily available and inexpensive. It is also generally high in cholesterol, fat, sodium, carbohydrates and sugar. Breakfast and dessert fast food such as french toast, pancakes, ice cream, shakes and soda are high in sugar and contain high amounts of unhealthy saturated and trans fats. Other fast foods that are high in unhealthy fats include hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, french fries and pizza. Any nutrient value of these foods is offset by the excessive levels of unhealthy fats and partially hydrogenated oils used to inexpensively enhance the taste and preserve the food.
Obesity
The excessive calories and unhealthy fat obtained from fast food leaves less room for calories from healthier nutrients, which cause weight gain without essential nourishment. Therefore, consumption of fast food can lead to obesity, which occurs when you are 20 percent over your ideal weight, according to the American Heart Association. Approximately 60 percent to 70 percent of Americans are either obese or overweight. Excess body weight can adversely affect your health by increasing the risk of developing diabetes, certain types of cancers and contracting heart disease. In women, obesity may lead to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome, which affects hormone secretion, disturbs the menstrual cycle and causes problems during conception.
Heart Problems
Fast food restaurants use large amounts of partially hydrogenated oils to prepare foods, which contain high levels of unhealthy saturated and trans fats. Regular consumption of these fats may clog the coronary arteries by atherosclerotic plaques, which is caused by high cholesterol. This affects the function of the heart to steadily pump blood through the rest of the body, which may cause severe heart problems that are often life-threatening, such as heart attack.
Skin Problems
Fast food containing high fat and sugar can lead to irritated skin because of a biological process called exogenous glycation, which occurs outside the body. It happens when the sugar contained in food reacts with fats or proteins while simultaneously being exposed to high temperatures. This gives a brown coloring to food when it is being cooked. According to Dr. Nicholas Perricone, the process of glycation can cause inflammation in the skin, which can lead to blemishes. Furthermore, if you eat fries, hamburgers or other greasy fast foods and then touch your face after handling the food, the oil can clog pores, which can cause break-outs as well.
