Why Do People Consume So Much Fast Food?

There has been a rising trend in the consumption of fast foods, otherwise known as convenience-style foods (Stead & Adamson, 2012). The shift towards fast food consumption is occurring at a time when global obesity is on the rise. Nutritional profiling studies indicate that the nutritional value of typical fast foods is inappropriate, with respect to the recommended daily energy and nutrient intake. Increased meal-sizes, poor balance of nutrients and poor ordering decisions are factors related to fast foods that have the potential to influence energy balance and, hence, long-term nutritional and health outcomes.