Fast food is a major aspect of modern living. Given the busy lives we have, efficiency and convenience play a significant role in how we eat. In the interest of having an honest assessment of fast food consumption, this essay will delve into its advantages and drawbacks so that we can make more informed choices as it pertains to our lifestyle and health.
When it comes to the benefits of fast food, it is worth noting that fast food offers good taste. Yet that good taste exists alongside addictive tendencies. For instance, “when we eat junk foods the reward circuits within our brains activate and release the chemical dopamine” (Reichelt), which causes our brains to feel “the pleasure from these rewarding foods and in response, the brain adapts and makes more receptors for dopamine”(Reichelt). What we observe here is that when the dopamine releases it feels like a reward to the body, motivating it and causing mood regulation simultaneously. That reward and the boost in mood can be considered a positive because of the psychological satisfaction it provides, which helps alleviate stress quickly.
However, while it’s true that the pleasure we feel is a benefit, the fact that “a greater amount of junk food is needed to get the same ‘kick’”(Reichelt) means we start to become addicted to fast food. That addiction is problematic because as we keep consuming more fast food, it eventually leads to health issues such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease among various conditions. The stark reality is that “higher availability of fast food services is associated with higher mortality and hospital admission rates for acute coronary heart disease as well as a higher risk of overweight and obesity” (Bahadoran et al). Furthermore, food safety concerns are pertinent to this discussion given that fast food relies on heavy use of preservatives, artificial flavorings, and trans fats.
According to research, “Ultra Processed Foods(UPF), distinguished by their high content of unhealthy fats, sodium, refined sugars, and synthetic additives, significantly increase dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity, which are key risk factors for CVDs” (Babalola et al.) This statement indicates that the health risks associated with fast food extend beyond poor nutrition, as the heavy processing and the additives can directly contribute to serious cardiovascular conditions, reinforcing concerns on food safety and public health outcomes. These observations lead us to the conclusion that fast food consumption is a double edged sword because while there’s no denying the fact that munching on a cheeseburger, crispy fries, or a pizza hot off the oven does give us psychological satisfaction and overall pleasure, its consistent consumption can lead to serious long-term health issues and addictive eating patterns, thus giving us a reason to be cognizant of our dietary choices. So the mechanisms behind the appeal of fast food, such as dopamine release and immediate gratification, also make it dangerous. The more we consume fast food to enjoy the dopamine hit, the more we become addicted to it, contributing to chronic diseases. In light of how fast food’s perceived benefits are inseparable from its health risks, it behooves us to be cognizant of the fact that this problematic staple in modern diets should be consumed with caution and moderation.
On the other hand, key benefit that cannot be understated is that fast food can be economical for a given amount. Great bang for your buck. Adam Drewnowski and Nicole Darmon argue that “The present hypothesis is that the observed links between food supply trends and rising obesity rates are mediated by the economics of food choice. The current structure of food prices is such that sweet and high-fat foods provide dietary energy at the lowest cost” (Drewnowski and Darmon). What we observe here is that fast food tends to be widely appealing because it offers significant calories for customers with limited income. They help provide filling meals, stretching food budgets, while being able to efficiently give the immediate energy needed. While one may have unfavorable views towards fast food for its lack of nutritional value, its economic upside cannot be understated because it provides an affordable meal, allowing individuals to maximize their calories and convenience while being on a budget. Also, its economic benefits are not limited to the consumer given the number of fast food chains and their scale of business.
Consider how “the global fast food industry has seen its fortunes rise steadily, with a projected annualized growth rate of 4.1%, increasing its revenue to an impressive $1.1 trillion over the last five years up to 2025” (Le). The insight we gain here is that fast food continues to thrive not only because of convenience, but also because of its broad accessibility that helps consistently attract consumers, enabling the industry to maintain a steady growth despite widespread concerns about its negative health impacts. Apparently, “the fast food market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $822.2 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%.” The inconvenient truth evident in these figures is that the industry is a major aspect of the global economy; it puts people to work, helping them earn a living and meet basic financial needs.
“There was 13,295,196 people employed in the Global Fast Food Restaurants as of 2024” (IBISWorld). This sizable figure further indicates that the fast food industry is not only a staple resource for consumers but also critical to employers worldwide, as it supports millions of workers with economic stability despite ongoing debates opposing the unhealthiness of some foods. So in a hypothetical world where advocates of healthy diets were to successfully impose a ban on all fast food businesses, there would be severe consequences: widespread job losses and protests among those who feel that their rights to pursue a lawful occupation and earn a living are being taken away without just cause. From an overall local and global economics standpoint, those in the industry would face financial hardship.
What would ensue is a sudden loss of millions of jobs and economic activity, which underscores the conflict between dietary safety and economic realities. The craving for fast food would lead to millions of consumer demands unmet, fueling widespread frustration. So when we view this issue through an economic lens, fast food is a double edged sword because it fuels economic growth, sustains a major workforce and meets consumer demand, but any disruption could lead to job losses and economic instability. Ultimately, these figures reveal that fast food is not just a dietary food choice to individuals but also an essential economic force, helping to provide jobs and stability despite the ongoing health concerns.
That’s not to say that we should not pay heed to the words of advocates of healthy diets. What adds nuance to the issue is that healthy fast food options have become available, as evidenced by the expansion of menu items that emphasize lower calorie counts, plant-based alternatives, and improved nutritional transparency. “Some salad selections at Wendy’s only have 400 calories, while ‘fresco’ items at Taco Bell have less than 350. Additionally, many fast food restaurants now offer healthier options, such as broiled fish and grilled chicken breast on the menu, rather than just deep-fried selections. Certain fast food spots even cater to vegan and vegetarian diets” (Barnes). So the fast food industry has proven capable of adapting to health related demands, offering greater choices without sacrificing affordability and convenience, suggesting that modernizing and making small shifts may be a better choice than outright rejection. So if the menu options evolve, then does the argument that fast food has a major nutritional drawback still hold water?
However, even though the nutritional quality of fast food can improve, there’s significant environmental waste due to fast food consumption. Apparently, “only 14 percent of plastic packaging is recycled; single-use food and beverage packaging is a prime source of the estimated 269,000 tons of plastic pollution currently floating around in the world’s oceans” (Ramsey). The significance here lies in how fast food’s reliance on single use packaging creates excessive and unnecessary waste contributing to pollution that harms the environment. Also, “global food consumption can add nearly 1 °C to warming by the end of this century, driven by foods that are high sources of methane, such as beef, dairy and rice” (Modern Food Emissions).
The takeaway here is that fast food consumption largely contributes to climate change as many popular items rely on beef and dairy production, generating higher levels of methane and eventually causing increased global warming. This issue is further compounded by the fact that “Deforestation has been linked to beef production as fast food companies have to clear enough space to raise cattle for low-cost hamburgers. To do this, they cut down tons of trees and plants to make room for these cattle to live” (Connelly). Simply put, fast food production comes at the cost of trees, which contributes to habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and weakening the natural systems that help regulate the planet’s climate, which is demonstrative of how the widespread consumption of fast food carries significant health, economic, and environmental consequences.
Having reflected on the multifaceted nature of fast food, we see how it illustrates the realities and priorities of modern living: we tend to value immediacy over delayed gratification and sustainability. The fact is that fast food feeds those living busy lives and provides momentary comfort. It supports economies. At the same time, it contributes to addiction, health issues and environmental strain. Therefore, it makes sense to make informed, deliberate choices as a society so that we can enjoy its benefits without sacrificing long-term health as individuals, economic vitality and environmental sustainability as we navigate the complexities of a world that is becoming more convenience and efficiency driven.
By: Gaeun Kwon
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