Fast food is readily available and offers convenience, particularly for those who are traveling or have busy lifestyles and find themselves hungry. However, the negative aspects of consuming processed and fast food are well-documented, with some studies suggesting that it may be responsible for more deaths than smoking in extreme cases.
Despite these concerns, statistics reveal that fast food consumption among Americans remains high. In fact, data from 2018 by the CDC indicated that one in three Americans indulges in fast food daily. More recent findings from Drive Research in 2023 showed a slight improvement, noting that 20% of men reported eating fast food every day, compared to 7% of women. Nevertheless, nearly two-thirds of individuals admitted to consuming fast food at least once a week.
If you find yourself eating fast food on a semi-regular basis, such as once a week, we consulted registered dietitians for their insights.
Effects of Eating Fast Food Once a Week on Your Body
For those who occasionally indulge in fast food, like a quick visit to McDonald’s after a hectic workday, registered dietitian Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD, states that the health effects will vary by individual. “For most healthy individuals who maintain a nutritious diet and engage in regular physical activity, consuming fast food once a week is unlikely to have significant consequences, especially if portion sizes are controlled and healthier choices are made during other meals,” she explains. “However, for individuals with health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease, the high sodium and sugar levels in many fast food options may not be advisable for weekly consumption.”
Registered dietitian Cesar Sauza, RD, concurs with this perspective. “As long as individuals maintain a balanced diet rich in whole foods, eating fast food once a week should not pose any problems,” he notes. “While it is best to limit fast food intake as much as possible, a weekly indulgence is generally acceptable, especially considering that many people consume fast food at least three times a week.”
What are the Consequences of Eating Fast Food Daily?
Increasing your fast food intake to a daily habit alters the situation significantly. According to Sauza, “Fast food typically contains high levels of calories, fat, sodium, sugar, or a combination of these; while it is feasible to make healthier choices at fast-food establishments, these venues are generally not conducive to maintaining a healthy diet.” He further explains that “Consuming fast food every day over the years can result in weight gain, increased body fat, and a heightened risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.”
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