Fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King are popular worldwide among the youth due to their convenience. They have become an essential part of people’s lives, although their consumption is associated with global health issues and a prevailing sense of impatience. These fast food establishments symbolize our modern, fast-paced lifestyle.
A study conducted by Rydell, Harnack, Oakes, Story, Jeffery, and French (2008) found that the majority of participants gave two main reasons for choosing to have meals at fast-food restaurants: “fast food is quick” (92%) and “restaurants are easy to get to” (80%). Wilson (2009) mentions that the widespread presence of fast food restaurants as an industry chain worldwide can be attributed to the Speedee Service System.
According to Wilson (2009), the fast food industry originated from drive-in restaurants that utilized speedy food preparation techniques. These establishments were primarily designed to cater to car drivers who wished to dine without getting out of their vehicles. Fast food restaurants offer swift service and affordable menu options, contributing to its rapid success as a profitable industry.
Dr. Stanley Ulijaszek, a British nutritionist, suggests that the global decline in health is due to the consumption of fast food. He argues that the high fat and sugar content in fast food is mainly responsible for weight gain. The Lancet Medical Journal published a study which revealed that those who regularly consume fast food gained an extra 10 pounds compared to those who rarely consumed it. Moreover, these individuals were more than twice as likely to develop an insulin disorder linked to diabetes.
The issue of obesity is increasing in both adults and children. Many children are consuming excessive amounts of fast food, like hamburgers and French fries, which is detrimental to their health. Some people may not be aware of the negative consequences it has. Additionally, eating fast food is also causing a rise in impatience among individuals. According to Gourlay (2010), fast food can induce a desire for immediate satisfaction and exacerbate impatience.
According to Gourlay, an experiment conducted by Chen-Bo Zhong, an assistant professor of organizational behavior at Toronto University in Canada, revealed that showing volunteers logos of fast-food chains such as McDonald’s and KFC increased their reading speed of a 320-word text. Furthermore, the volunteers displayed a preference for instant gratification when asked to choose between a smaller sum of money immediately or a larger amount in a week.
The study has shown that fast food greatly affects people, causing them to feel rushed and impatient. With the increasing number of fast food restaurants, it is crucial for individuals to learn how to maximize the advantages while reducing the disadvantages. Additionally, fast food chains should improve their offerings and use promotional tactics that have fewer negative impacts on individuals’ lives. There is no doubt that the fast food industry has had a significant influence on people’s lives.
