Posted by The rate of obesity among Malaysians is increasing exponentially to the point where obesity is now considered a public health problem. Obesity is scientifically proven to be linked to many long term health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and even some cancers.
Studies have shown that the rise of obesity among the population could be due to an increase in calorie intake coupled with the lack of adequate physical activity.
Here are reasons how fast food leads to obesity:
1. High Calorie Intake
Fast food tends to be extremely calorie-dense where it has a lot of calories in a small portion. These foods would often contain high amounts of unhealthy fats, sugars and refined carbohydrates that can lead to excessive calorie intake if consumed often.
2. Large Portion Sizes
Fast food is often considered affordable for its size and they also have a lot of offers such as breakfast offers and value deals. These offers encourage people to consume even larger portions due to its affordability. Overeating itself is unhealthy but when it is combined with high-calorie content, it can lead to weight gain.
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3. Low Nutritional Value
Fast food is typically low in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fibers. Therefore, consuming these foods regularly can lead to malnutrition as the body is not receiving the necessary nutrients to function properly.
4. High Sugar & Fat Content
Sugary sodas, desserts and fried foods can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels. This increase in sugar levels and possibly high cholesterol can contribute to weight gain and obesity in the long run.
5. Convenient and Always Availability
Fast food is easily accessible because at every corner you turn, there will be at least one fast food restaurant. It’s convenient also because it takes less time to obtain when compared to making your healthy meal at home.
6. Lack of Satiety
Fast food often does not provide the same level of fullness when compared to unprocessed food. As a result, people tend to eat more just to feel satisfied leading to excess calorie intake.
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7. Impressive Marketing Strategies
These fast food companies market their products so much that they even cater their advertisements to children. For example, Happy Meals is meant to be for children as it gives out toys as a part of the meal.
8. Sedentary Lifestyle
Over-consuming fast food can lead to a sedentary lifestyle because it may make people feel less motivated to engage in physical activities such as exercising.
It is important to understand that fast food can contribute to obesity. Other lifestyle factors such as genetics and diseases may also be contributing factors to obesity. However, it is undeniable that fast food is not a good option for you in the long run. To maintain a healthy weight, everyone must adopt a balanced diet by making healthy food choices and engaging in regular exercise.