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Can Fast Food Cause Obesity? Scientists Study the Links

With the rise in obesity in our country today, many doctors and scientists are beginning to question whether fast food can cause obesity. Some of the facts seem to point clearly in this direction. For example, as obesity rates have risen in the past decade, so has the frequency in which many are choosing fast food as their primary menu source.

Most towns and cities have a fast food chain located on nearly every corner, and our television screens are filled with advertisements for the various restaurants and their newest selections. Many of these commercials are actually geared toward children, which might be an alarming reason why juvenile obesity has been on the rise as well.

Through studies into the question of whether fast food causes obesity, researchers have found that families that choose fast food as a meal three or more times a week do run a higher risk of obesity and larger BMI’s. The BMI, or body mass index, is a formula that doctors can use to determine exactly how overweight a person is. A BMI of 30 or more is an indication of obesity, and a number between 25 and 30 means the patient is overweight.

Two in every three adults in this country can be classified as overweight, and one in three is considered obese. These are high figures to contemplate, when you realize that obesity brings other health problems with it, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Fast Food can Cause Obesity in Some

One of the factors to consider when trying determining if fast food can cause obesity is other lifestyle choices that might affect body weight as well. For example, many families who frequent the fast food chains also have a tendency to keep less healthy nutritional choices in the pantry at home. The absence of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains can make the effects of the burgers and fries that much more severe.

It has also been found in studies that slender teens who choose fast food on occasion will balance that choice by consuming fewer calories the rest of the day. Obese and overweight teens do not have the tendency to make those types of choices. While there may be evidence to show that fast food causes obesity, it seems that other factors and choices come into play as well.

If you are concerned about whether fast food causes obesity, you can make choices for healthy eating that do not have to include avoiding fast food all of the time. You can balance the occasional burger with plenty of healthy options in between, and make sure that you get regular exercise as well. With some wise and healthy choices, you do not have to be concerned with whether fast food will cause obesity in you.