Effects of Eating Fast Food Essay

We are constantly looking for ways to make the daily obligations and our daily routine as fast as possible. It is common that people complain that they do not have enough time to prepare food at home; different solutions have emerged to make life easier, such as fast food. It has an affordable price, an attractive presentation, and we can find it everywhere. Also, has adapted to a new lifestyle and has achieved worldwide popularity. But fast food has some negative effects in people’s health causing illnesses such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Over time, the high levels of sugar and simple carbohydrates in fast food can lead to diabetes. Excess of sugar intake, obesity and metabolic syndrome related to insulin resistance, are all significant risk factors for developing diabetes. The number of people living with diabetes worldwide, has more than doubled since 1980, from 153 million then to nearly 350 million in 2011 1. Fast food does not contain the proteins that the body needs to maintain consistent blood sugar levels, so the blood sugar level will drop suddenly soon after eating. Eating too much fast food can make people feel really uncomfortable and in a short time people can become obese. Fast food contains large amounts of fat, and as fat accumulates in people’s body, they will gain weight and could become obese. Weight gain occurs when people consume more calories than what they burn in a day. The most value meals served with fries and soda provide well over 1,000 calories per meal, which is more than the half average of what a person needs 2. So if a person eats fast food 3 times a day, he will be eating 150 percent of calories, which is more than what he needs in a day. A disease associated with obesity is cardiovascular disease, which can also cause people’s death. Higher densities of fast food restaurants are linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular health problems. The high levels of fat and sodium in fast food can contribute to heart disease by raising blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and by contributing to arterial plaque build up 3. Fast food is often also packed with sources of excess added sugar and saturated fats such as mayonnaise, cheese and soda. While this translates into excess calories and weight gain, it can also become and independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Elevated triglyceride and cholesterol levels are indicators of cardiovascular disease and are associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke, which it is why people should be careful. After all, fast food has been a creation for this modern time; facilitating and adjusting to new lifestyles. Fast food is available everywhere, and because of this it is recommended that people know about the ingredients of fast food. This delicious food has components that make people addicted; therefore, they are more frequently consumed. Also, eating this food makes people gain weight, ultimately affecting health. People should limit the consumption of these processed foods and create a new eating habit that includes fresh and home-made food.