Introduction: Fast Food Industry Is Ruining Health of the Americans
Fast food industry is ruining health of the Americans by entering American households swiftly and almost imperceptibly, with every individual in a household now craving hamburgers or French fries. Schlosser eloquently captures the entire fast-food mania in his remarkable book, “Fast Food Nation,” where he not only traces the evolution of existing fast-food chains but also explores the food processing and subsequent marketing strategies employed by industry giants such as McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, and others (Schlosser 12-50).
However, the most noteworthy recent development is the growing awareness of health issues and deadly diseases attributed to the consumption of fast food. Initially, the fast-food chains paid little attention, but the public outcry, coupled with media scrutiny, eventually caught the attention of profit-hungry CEOs. Consequently, they initiated their own research, paralleling the approach taken in the fast and extensive processing of food. Several factors contribute to these health concerns, as these chains operate in conjunction with large corporations that supply flavors, preservatives, processed meat, French fries, potatoes, and more. The primary focus remains on reducing assembly-line costs and increasing profit margins, relegating health concerns to a secondary position. Nevertheless, numerous health issues associated with fast food, including obesity, cardiac problems, the spread of deadly pathogens, and damage to the digestive system, continue to emerge regularly.
Obesity: Fast Food Industry Is Ruining Health of the Americans
Fast food outlets are widely recognized for contributing to the spread of obesity, leading to consequential health issues such as cardiac problems and diabetes. The foods processed and utilized in the fast-food industry are often prepared at centralized locations, preserved, and frozen before being transported to various outlets, maintaining uniformity in taste and color, as seen in the case of McDonald’s extensive network of over 3,000 branches throughout the United States (Schlosser).
The processing and freezing of foods like French fries, McNuggets, and beef involve refrying in “partially hydrogenated oils (or trans fats),” which can result in elevated cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart attacks, according to Freeman (2226). Freeman further explains that these foods are often combined with starch and have a high glycemic load, and when served with sugary drinks like Coke and Pepsi, they contribute to the existing sugar content, thereby contributing to the rising obesity rates in the United States and, subsequently, cardiac issues and diabetic problems (2221-2261).
Chemicals used in flavors, tastes, and food colors also play a role in these health issues, as they often contain added sugars. According to WHO studies and university research, the spread of the fast-food style or Western eating habits is causing an increase in cardiac health issues and diabetes in developing countries, mirroring the expansion of fast food outlets (McKie). Additionally, fast food is implicated in the alleged spread of deadly bacteria and pathogens.
Food Processing: Fast Food Industry Is Ruining Health of the Americans
Technological interventions in food processing and mechanical farming, both of which contribute raw materials to the fast-food industry, have been accused of negatively impacting food safety. Numerous studies, as highlighted by Michael Moss in his article “The Burger that Shattered Her Life” published in The New York Times in 2009, have pointed to instances where individuals experienced severe health issues, such as dance instructor Stephanie Smith, who suffered from digestive tract problems and severe diarrhea traced back to the consumption of a hamburger filled with processed beef contaminated with the E. coli bacteria (Moss).
The US Agriculture Department conducted tests, confirming the presence of the pathogen in samples of beef taken from various fast-food outlets. Moss notes that testing has been a contentious issue since the 1994 ban on selling ground beef contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, and Schlosser also emphasizes the challenges in testing procedures, stating that even with strict regulations imposed in 1982, food processing plants were resistant to third-party testing. Schlosser further notes that the situation has escalated with the discovery of more than a dozen such pathogens. While the government can recall lethal toys, it lacks the authority to force meatpacking companies to remove contaminated ground beef from food kitchens and supermarket shelves, a critical issue contributing to widespread food poisoning and the damage to the digestive systems of an entire generation (Moss; Schlosser 71). Although the government has taken some action, further improvements and vigilance are needed to address this pervasive issue.
Digestive Issues: Fast Food Industry Is Ruining Health of the Americans
The widespread damage to the digestive system is attributed to both pathogens and improper handling of food. When certain foods, such as potatoes or tomatoes, are processed at a plant, they may be mixed with food supplied to an entire state or town, posing a risk of affecting the entire population. The digestive process involves breaking down food in the stomach, passing it to the intestines for nutrient absorption. Fast foods, high in sugars and fats, take a longer time to digest, causing the stomach to work excessively and strenuously. This can lead to acid reflux and inflammation in the intestines, ultimately contributing to digestive issues and the development of intestinal ulcers, particularly among the younger generation with a penchant for fast food.
According to WebMD, speedy meals induce a higher number of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) episodes compared to more leisurely meals, with a total of 15 GERD episodes triggered by fast meals and 11.5 episodes by slower meals. Acid reflux episodes were reported 12.5 times during fast meals (“Eating Food Too Fast Speeds Heartburn”). Schlosser supports this perspective, contending that the presence of pathogens causes inflammation, while fast food itself, coupled with improper handling, faulty processing, and careless packaging, contributes to the damage of the stomach and intestines (Schlosser 72). The combined effect of these factors amplifies the risks associated with consuming fast food, especially when consumed rapidly.
Conclusion: Fast Food Industry Is Ruining Health of the Americans
In short, while people have embraced fast food for its time-saving convenience and flavorful appeal, they may be unaware of the adverse impact on their health. The surge in cardiac issues and diabetes among young individuals and teenagers is a concerning trend. A growing number of people seek medical attention for digestive system-related ailments, including diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and inflammatory bowel conditions, often linked to the rapid consumption of fast food. Despite efforts by the American government to regulate food packing practices, testing procedures remain veiled in secrecy due to the influential lobbying power wielded by the food industry in both the administration and legislature. However, public awareness is increasing, prompting some individuals to shift towards naturally grown vegetables and home-cooked meals. Nevertheless, there is still much work to be done to safeguard the future generation from the potential hazards of these medically detrimental conditions.
Works Cited: Fast Food Industry Is Ruining Health of the Americans
- “Eating Food Too Fast Speeds Heartburn.” WebMD. WebMD. 2003. Web. 26 Sept. 2015.
- Freeman, Andrea. “Fast Food Oppression Through Poor Nutrition.” Californian Law Review. 95 (6). 31 Dec. 2013. 2221-2260.
- McKie, Robin. “Diabetes Epidemic Affecting 350m – and Western Fast Food is to Blame.” The Guardian. The Guardian. 25 June 2011. Web. 26 Sept. 2015.
- Moss, Michael. “The Burger That Shattered Her Life.” The New York Times. The New York Times. 03 Oct. 2009. Web. 26 Sept. 2015.
- Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation. Penguin Books. 2002. Ebook.
Relevant Questions: Fast Food Industry Is Ruining Health of the Americans
- What specific health impacts do fast food and processed food industries have on the American population, and how do these industries contribute to rising health issues?
- In what ways do marketing strategies and collaborations between food industries and schools affect the dietary habits of children, potentially leading to long-term health problems?
- How can government regulations and public awareness campaigns be improved to address the negative health consequences of fast food industry ruining health of the Americans?
