Examining People’s Obsession with fast Food

The world is a riled-up place, people continue to rush around in order to make ends meet, a common thread amongst this rush is an unprecedented dependence on fast food. It's no secret that the fast food industry is a money-making machine, thanks to the enticement of convenience and cheap prices. But before we dive into the crux of why people are so obsessed with fast food, let’s take a look at the key influences that fast food has been able to exert over the population.

For starters, fast food is extremely pervasive as it essentially dominates large swaths of the food supply. It's everywhere, from gas stations and highways to economical restaurants and fast food drive-thrus. Furthermore, fast food delicacies are widely celebrated and generally accessible—people quickly make fast food one of the centrepieces of their diet and meal habits. For example, the cost for a cheeseburger and fries at McDonald’s is almost always cheaper than what it would take to cook a meal from scratch. 

The next element that propels fast food obsessions is advertising and marketing. Fast food restaurants tend to be incredibly aggressive in pushing their product and luring consumers with irresistibly inviting food images. From massive billboards to online ads to social media campaigns—fast food is creatively marketed in a way that perpetuates people’s insatiable cravings for it. What’s more, the low prices on fast food items often make them seem too good to pass up. 

It’s no wonder that people are drawn to fast food—at the end of a long or busy day, it’s a fast, easy, and affordable way to squeeze in a meal without much effort. Fast food restaurants are known for their “super sizing” offers, these bloated portions may leave people with an unsustainable hunger that entices them to “super-size” their next meal as well. In other words, they become conditioned to eat more because they are given unreal amounts of food. Too often, people find themselves so trapped in this eating pattern that regaining control becomes nearly impossible. 

Even though fast food is relatively inexpensive and convenient for anyone to try, it's important to consider the dietary implications of consuming it regularly. Studies have consistently revealed that the majority of fast food offerings contain surplus calories, fat, and salt—all of which can lead to long-term health issues if not consumed in moderation. It should also be noted that fast food has been indelibly linked to numerous diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and some kinds of cancer.

Despite all of these alarming problems, people all over the world are still gorging on fast food and all its artery-clogging derivatives to their own detriment, and the main cause is that the majority of locations are convenient and offer unrivaled value for the money. Besides, there's certainly nothing wrong with spoiling oneself or friends to a fast-food meal every so often. The key is simply to keep it as a occasional treat and to be mindful of what you’re eating when you do.

This mass affection towards fast food is also perpetuated by the fact that in recent years there has been availability of much healthier options to choose from in fast food restaurants. For example, many eateries have lightened up their menus, offering alternative meals that are less high in saturated fat and have a better equilibrium of carbs and proteins. from salads to grilled chicken sandwiches to vegan options—people have more options to choose from than ever before. 

What’s more, these restaurants have also innovated their ordering processes in order to make things even more convenient. Online ordering and mobile apps allow people to place their order and pay for it beforehand, so when they arrive, their meal is already ready for pickup. A study conducted by the Harvard Business Review reveals that the convenience and usability of digital ordering is a strong driving force behind consumer satisfaction in fast food restaurants. 

It is easy to get caught up in the rat race of life and rely on fast food as a go-to source of convenience and comfort. However, while it’s true that fast food is both tasty and cheap, it’s only wiser to be mindful of over-indulging in junk food-style meals, as an excessive intake can lead to adverse health risks.