Is Fast Food Making Us Fat?

Abstract

This study looks at the contribution that consuming fast food may make to the rise in American obesity rates. One important goal of this study was to survey 500 U.S. adults in order to assess the frequency with which they consume fast food and dine in other restaurants. It also compares the BMI of survey participants with their reported frequency of eating fast food meals and snacks. An additional goal of the study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of gathering survey data via an online survey form. Study outcomes show that Americans report a notable amount of fast food consumption and that there is a correlation between BMI and the number of fast food meals consumed among survey participants. Results of this preliminary study may be used to assess the possibility of a more extensive project with a larger population. Findings may also be beneficial to individuals seeking to take steps toward a more healthful personal lifestyle and may provide useful data to health care professionals and community health organizations.