One of the defining features of modern American life is its fast-food consumption in the United States. For millions, the America’s fast food industry has become a cultural symbol of affordability, while offering convenience. Over the decades, the fast-food industry has adapted to the diverse Americans’ taste palettes and lifestyles by offering a wide range of choices like pizzas, burgers, donuts, corn dogs, fried chicken, etc.
Fast Food Frenzy
In the mid-20th century, the America’s fast food industry began to grow on a massive scale when brands like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s completely reformed their eating habits by offering fast, pocket-friendly, and portable meals. As the car culture was fueled by the growth of suburbs demand for fast food also increased; drive-thru windows brought ease for the customers as well. America’s fast food culture became a symbol of modernity, by the 1990s, fast food chains were working globally, and the industry served billions of customers each year. This very day, the US fast food market has over 200,000 establishments operating across the country worth over $300 billion as fast food is being consumed by many Americans multiple times within a week.
Trends and Fast Food
Though fast food consumption stays predominant in the American diet, eating habits have still evolved. Trends hold great significance and they have the power to leave an impact on people’s life choices as well. People are becoming more health-conscious these days so many chains have started to offer grilled chicken, and salad to keep their customers though these options are still very limited compared to the rest of the menu that offers food high in calories, fats, and sodium which raises multiple health concerns. The simplest of things are being commercialized by different trends, information gets spread into the global village within seconds and food chains cash upon this idea. The food industry offers a bizarre idea like pineapple on pizza, canned chicken, maggi milkshakes, hot beef sundaes, etc. and people out of curiosity buy these things. Other than that, food getting delivered to the doorstep has made things much more convenient for the people. Fast food chains are popular among Millennials and Gen Z; as the food offered is price-sensitive, convenient, and hassle-free as they save time and energy compared to cooking from scratch.
Health Concerns
It is no secret that fast food contains unhealthy fats, poor nutrients, dense calories, sugars, and salt which raises health concerns for the consumers. With the rise in fast food consumption the epidemic of obesity increases in the US as well. Symptoms of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions can be observed in the US public for the overconsumption of fast food. Other than that, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that 40% of the adults in the US are suffering from obesity and children are at a high risk of it as well. The fast-food industry offers affordability and convenience, but its long-term health risk factors cannot be ignored.
Environmental Impact
The fast food industry is not just playing with people’s health, it is also impacting the environment greatly. Meat is required in fast food chains and due to its high demand, water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation are on the rise. The fast-food industry relies on the use of plastic containers, straws, and wrappers for serving customers which has increased plastic wastage and is affecting ocean life.
Conclusion
Fast-food chains are providing affordable food to the masses but their impact cannot be overlooked on the humans and environment. Eating habits need to change to avoid obesity in the young generation as it will lead to more bodily issues that will impact the mental health of Americans as well.
