Fast food has been rapidly declining the health of people in their 20s, and the consequences are occurring earlier than ever before.ย
It is easy to understand why fast food became the main source of nutrition for young adults. It is convenient, cheap, and tastes good, all of which are key requirements for someone balancing school, work, and social lives. However, when one occasional meal becomes a daily diet, the effects are hard to ignore.ย
According to Medical News Today, research from the United States Department of Agriculture mentions how fast food often exceeds the number of recommended calories for a single individual. A fast food meal here and there is not the end of the world; however, if someone repeatedly eats more calories than they burn, they can rapidly gain weight.
Young adults donโt think about the health consequences when it comes to eating fast food. According to first-year Madison Migliore, they normally donโt consider how fast food can have health consequences.ย
โItโs quick and easy,โ Migliore said. โ[Sometimes] I donโt have time to go home, but Iโm really hungry. So Iโm just like, โOh, I need something.โโ
For busy and tired young adults, the only concern is often to make sure they are eating. However, rarely do they consider how many highly processed ingredients there are in fast food meals.ย
According to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Blog, there has been research that a diet involving highly-processed foods can shorten lifespan, increase aging, and increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.ย
This opinion isnโt coming from a place of some moral high ground, but rather from personal experiences. As a twenty-one-year-old, I have already been pre-diagnosed with high cholesterol, and my doctor has told me numerous times to go on a low-fat diet and stay away from fast food. However, it is challenging because, as a busy college student, I rely on these kinds of foods, even if they do not help with my physical health.ย
Fast food can even have adverse effects on mental health. Sophomore Trey Topping mentioned how his friends would feel awful after eating a fast food meal.ย
โThey feel sluggishness, they just feel, like, slower and unmotivated to do stuff after they eat, like, McDonald’s or, like, a big sort of fast food meal,โ Topping said.ย
There is also the challenge of trying to afford healthy food options. In todayโs economy, many young adults often compare the prices between fast food and cooked meals and choose the easiest option.ย
โI would say the cost right now [is a big issue] because the difference between McDonald’s and, like, fresh, healthy food is maybe like $10,โ Topping said.ย
Itโs important to eat food that will benefit not only your physical health, but your mental health as well.ย
According to the University of Florida IFAS blog, the risks are significantly higher for young people when consuming excess processed foods, such as delaying brain development and leading to poor social and academic performance.ย
It can be overwhelming when trying to figure out what to eat, especially as a young adult. The best thing we can do is try to eat more healthy options that are quick, easy, and affordable.ย
Meal prepping is a great way to plan and cook food in one day for the entire week. When I first heard of this, I thought it was crazy and too time-consuming. However, Iโve noticed that itโs been helping me eat better instead of going out or cooking instant ramen.ย
Eating fast food promotes an unhealthy lifestyle that may lead to a decline in physical and mental health for young adults. As tough as it initially is, it is time to start eating fresh, healthy food rather than greasy, fried food.
