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The Popularity of Fast Food in America

If there is one thing that Americans can agree on, it is a love for fast food. Burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken and even salads are served up by the millions at a variety of fast food locations around the country, and there is no clear indicator that Americans intend to slow down. Fast food is so popular in the United States that it has caused a variety of problems for Americans, in addition to delivering a few benefits such as added employment and low-cost snacks.

  1. By the Numbers

    • It is estimated that on any day in the United States, 25 percent of the U.S. population stops into one fast food restaurant or another, according to Eric Schlosser, author of “Fast Food Nation.” Schlosser also notes, in an interview with CBS News, that Americans as a whole spend more in a lifetime on fast food than they do on college, books, music and their cars. In addition, nearly one-eighth of the working population of the United States has at some point worked in a fast food restaurant either as a front line employee or in management.

    Reasons for Popularity

    • There are many reasons that fast food is as popular as it is today in the United States. The American Customer Satisfaction Index notes that Americans rate their fast food dining experience based on the convenience, speed of service and overall price. If you can swing by a fast food restaurant and grab a quick lunch for $5, you probably do not think twice about how those small purchases add up. Fast food is also, by definition, fast, meaning busy families or working individuals can grab a meal on the go when they are pressed for time. And, of course, some people just like the taste of food from their favorite restaurants.

    Health Concerns

    • The dramatic increase in fast food consumption by Americans of all ages has been linked to increase in heart disease and obesity. Health officials, such as doctor Kelly Brownell, speaking at the American Psychological Association annual convention in 2001, have voiced concerns overt the toxic food environment that makes fast food so easy for people to access. Most fast food is packed with fat and refined sugars, making it inefficient for fueling your body but quite adept at helping you pack on the pounds. A little fast food now and then will not kill you, but if you make it a daily staple in your diet, you can expect to see some long-term health issues.

    American Eating Habits

    • The American lunch break has been reduced dramatically in recent years, with "USA Today" confirming that a large number of employees are spending less time eating during lunch and more time running errands or catching up on work tasks. Home life is hectic as well, with parents often balancing multiple jobs and child care. These trends lead people to have less time for choosing and preparing meals. Americans have a unique tendency to eat while on the go, as opposed to inhabitants of other countries that may see eating a meal as an activity. This mentality, combined with the convenience and cost, make fast food an obvious choice for a quick meal.

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