The Impact of Fast Food on Community Health and Routine Life

Fast food is mostly full of unhealthy ingredients that contain a maximum amount of calories, saturated fat, sodium, sugar, artificial flavors, and additives which may lead to many health issues at all ages. Occasionally consumption of such food might be not harmful but regular and over intake can lead to serious health issues for society. Here are some most common health problems:

• Obesity: In many case studies and research it has been observed that obesity is the most obvious issue affecting almost 1 out of 8 people across the globe as of 2022. Due to overconsumption of fast food which is high in calories and low in nutrients.
• Heart Disease: Heart Disease is result of unhealthy food which are high in saturated fat and low in nutritional values. We all know that almost all fast food is fully loaded with unhealthy ingredients. So always keep in mind that over and overconsumption of fast food may lead to serious heart issues.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Excessive consumption of sugary foods, beverages, ice cream, and drinks can lead to type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
• Digestive Issues: Unhealthy eating styles and foods at the wrong time which are low in fiber and high in fat can create many digestive issues like constipation, acidity, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The most convenient availability of Fast food not only impacts our health but also affects our day-to-day life in very sophisticated but significant ways.

• Time-saving but less nutritious: With pase life and busy schedule fast food become an Easy to cook and instant food option for children’s lunchbox and snack time. It offers quick meals at the cost of sacrificing a balanced and nutrient-rich diet.

• Dependency on Convenience: The ready-to-cook option makes people too lazy to cook some of the homemade items and they become more dependent on readymade packed food. And it leads to creating unhealthy and poor eating habits in log ways.
• Increased Stress Levels: It has been observed that often people eat fast food in a hurry while they are traveling, doing any work, or watching movies. Such food is already low in nutrients, which can lead to an increased lack of focus and stress.
• Family Disconnect:n Western countries, it is observed that dining out or picking up food on the way become most common and replaced traditional family connection time on the dining table. It affected socialization and family bonds.

As per one of the WHO reports – “The economic impacts of the obesity epidemic are also important. If nothing is done, the global costs of overweight and obesity are predicted to reach US$ 3 trillion per year by 2030 and more than US$ 18 trillion by 2060

The fast food industry increased jobs and stimulated the economy but we cannot neglect its negative impact on society. It includes:

• Increased Healthcare Costs: Fast food consumption is directly linked with many diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stress, and many more. The decline in health leads to higher medical costs for treatment and health management.
• Impact on Local Food Businesses: Fast food business trends attracted many big brands to come into this industry. Which led to the decline of small and community-based food businesses and markets.

Decades ago there were plenty of healthy dessert options available, which are replaced by morden fast-food outlets. Nowadays in this category, it’s hard to find fresh and healthy food like fruits and vegetables. So people often rely on fast food as their main option. This can lead to health problems, especially in low-income communities, where healthy food is expensive or hard to get. As a result, people in these areas face higher risks of long-term diseases.

Due to many awareness campaigns, society has become aware of the bad impact of fast food and demanding healthier food options Many food brands are changing their food category to match healthier food demand by introducing:

• Healthier Menu Items: On the Menu of many fast-food outlets we can see roasted options instead of fried, Even we can see salads, green wraps, and healthy drink options.
• Transparency in Nutrition: Some food chains clearly show all the ingredients and nutritional value of the food item for a better choice.

• Community Awareness: Planty of awareness campaigns, video content, and education programs are running across the world to make society aware about what actually they are eating to make them
  informed choice.