

The United States Department of Agriculture points out that typical fast food contains a very high number of calories. This means that a person is more likely to develop heart disease. The FDA also notes that a diet high in trans fats raises the amount of low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol and lowers the amount of high-density lipoprotein or “good” cholesterol. The FDA suggests that a diet high in salt often increases a person’s blood pressure, making a person more prone to heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, or heart disease. In a 2018 review, the authors established a link between fast food consumption and an increase in asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema. This sort of diet may also raise the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Memory and learningĪ 2020 paper suggests a link between unbalanced diets high in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates, typical of fast food, and a lower capacity for memory and learning. The authors noted that a Western diet could lead to higher inflammation, lower control of infection, higher cancer rates, and a higher risk of allergic and autoinflammatory disease. This diet consists of high amounts of sugar, salt, and saturated fat from only a few sources.

Immunity and inflammationĪ 2019 review examined the effects of a Western diet on a person’s immune system. Doctors associate low-fiber diets with a higher risk of digestive conditions such as constipation and diverticular disease, as well as reductions in healthy gut bacteria. Many fast food meals are extremely low in fiber. It is also generally low in antioxidants, fiber, and many other nutrients. This is because most fast food is high in sugar, salt, saturated fat, trans fats, processed ingredients, and calories. Such risks include obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and various cardiovascular conditions. There is plenty of well-researched evidence showing that regularly eating fast food can harm a person’s health.Ī 2015 study identified the sometimes irreparable effects of eating fast food. This can then trigger a cycle of binge eating or binge eating disorders. Research from 2018 and other previous studies have suggested a link between fast food consumption and the incidence of food addiction for these low-nutrient items.Ī small 2017 study of 15 adults found that a single day of high-fat overeating damaged insulin sensitivity. This combination trains the palate to prefer these highly processed, highly stimulating foods and reduces someone’s desire for whole, fresh foods. Therefore, it activates the reward centers in the brain rapidly. Binge eatingįast food is highly palatable, meaning the body breaks it down quickly in the mouth, and it does not need much chewing.

They may also have difficulties reaching their ideal fiber intake, which according to the Food and Drug Administration is 28 grams per day. If an individual eats fast food frequently, they may find it challenging to reach their recommended daily intake of at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables. Affects nutrient intakeįast food does not typically contain fresh fruit and vegetables. This inflammation acts as a trigger for asthma attacks. A 2015 study found that one fast food meal high in saturated fat increased airway inflammation in individuals with asthma. Increased inflammationĪ single serving of fast food could increase inflammation throughout the body. Excess sodium intake also has links to fluid retention. Blood pressureĪ small 2016 study found that consuming high levels of salt could immediately impact the proper functioning of a person’s blood vessels. Insulin promotes further hunger within a short time after the meal. In turn, this causes an abnormally large insulin surge, resulting in a drop in blood sugar. Spike in blood sugarįast food breaks down quickly, causing a rapid spike in blood sugar because of the refined carbohydrates and added sugar. The body’s reaction to these nutrients results in a range of short-term impacts when a person eats fast food. Share on Pinterest Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Imagesįast food is typically high in sugar, salt, and saturated or trans fats.
