Fast Food Consumption: How Fast Food Affects Children's Overall Health

Too much fast food consumption for kids is harmful due to its high calorie and few nutrients, which can eventually lead to heart problems and obesity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC's) National Center for Health Statistics, Black and Hispanic kids consume more fast food than their white counterparts, and more than a third eat fast food on any given day.

The proportion of calories from fast food increased with children ages 2-11 gaining 11.5 percent of the daily calories from fast food and 18 percent for ages 12-19, per the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, given to a sample of the U.S. population biannual to gather information on health and nutrition.

Dr. Eliana Periin, Professor of Pediatrics at Duke University School of Medicine, said the findings were not surprising, especially when you think about how some strapped families have both time and money and how fast food can be an easy option for stressed families, per NBC News.

Consumption of fast food is damaging to one's health

The latest finding of the study, Do Fast Foods Cause Asthma, Rhinoconjunctivitis, and Eczema? Global findings from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase 3 seek the possible connections between consuming different kinds of fast food and developing such conditions.

The researchers surveyed 500,000 kids from 31 different countries in two age groups: ages 6 to 7 and ages 13 to 14. Both groups determined that kids who consume fast food three times a week or more had increased risks of Asthma, Rhinitis, and Eczema. Some 39 percent of teens and 27 percent of younger kids are at risk of severe Asthma. Meanwhile, three or more servings of fruits appeared to reduce the severity of symptoms for the three conditions.

Another Study, Fast-Food and Full-Service Restaurant Consumption Among Children and Adolescents Effect on Energy, Beverage, and Nutrient Intake, found that adolescents and kids consumed far more calories in fast food than at home. Eating out was affiliated with taking in as many as 160 calories regularly for younger kids and more than 310 calories for teens. Such numbers are alarming, according to the study, as obesity is one of the serious problems for children.

Fast Food can lead to the development of Chronic Disease when consumed in large quantities, per Harvard Medical School.

Read Also: Children Eat more Junk Food when they See Celebrities Promoting it

Eating fast food can lead to health conditions

Daily fast food intake can lead to long-term health conditions such as obesity, emotional and self-esteem issues, and chronic illnesses. A single fast food meal could add approximately 160 and 310 extra kilocalories.

The development of deficiency conditions and Osteoporosis is due to the lack of vitamins A and C and Magnesium and Calcium minerals. Dental Caries could also develop due to the high sugar intake.

Such health conditions may be more complicated due to the presence of hazardous food coloring agents, unhealthy trans fats, and food preparation safety, per News Medical.

Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at UConn's Researchers surveyed the nation's four largest fast food chains: McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Subway for the study.

The study determined that most fast food restaurants have kid's meals, soda, and french fries and is widely promoting unhealthy options inside the restaurants.

Jennifer Harris, the lead author of the Report and Associate Professor of Allied Health Sciences, states that if such restaurants are concerned about children's health, they will make healthy meals that are both the easiest option for the parents and appealing to kids.

Related Article: Fast Food Consumption Increases Asthma Risk in Children