Why Do Most People Choose Fast-Food in America Although They Know It Is Harmful to Their Health - Coursework Example

Why do most people choose fast food in America although they know it is harmful for their health? Introduction In dynamic business and social environments where changes are rapidly occurring, people are compelled to devise ways and means of adapting to the changes. This has resulted in innovation and advancement in technology among other strategies meant to enhance convenience and ease off pressure from people’s lives. With people increasingly tied up in their daily jobs, less time for leisure and personal activities and a need for convenience wherever and whenever an individual is are among some of the reasons that are associated with establishment of fast quick joints. Apart from having fast quick joints offering drinks and snacks, there are fast quick joints that offer fast foods as highlighted by Nestle (2007). According to Watson (2008), fast foods refers to foodstuffs which can be prepared and served very promptly in a restaurant or inns and served to customers in form of order and pick take- away through walk up counters or drive-thru windows. The prominence of fast foods is more evident and more of a culture in developed or more urbanized countries and economies such as United States and Europe. The fast food market in America is not only widely spread but also a lucrative business venture as noted by Schlosser (2001). Research indicates that majority of fast foods available in American food market are closely associated with lifestyle diseases such as obesity among both adults and children, high bad body cholesterol, heart diseases, certain cancers, diabetes and high blood pressure among others (Paeratakul et al. 2003). Despite the knowledge Americans have on the harmful effects consuming fast foods have on their health, majority of them still eat fast foods for their three meals a day or make it a primary part of their nutrition. This forms the basis of this research which is to analyze the reasons why most people choose in America despite knowing it is harmful for their health. The harmful effects of fast foods on health Among popular fast foods includes, fish and chips, fried chicken and hamburgers, French fries, pizzas, hot dogs, sandwiches and tacos among others as highlighted by Nestle (2007). How are fast foods harmful to health? One would ask. It is important to note that not all fast foods are harmful to health especially if they are made from healthy ingredients that contain fewer calories, minimal or no bad cholesterol and more nutritional values. If taken in moderation, fast foods would have less impact on health as noted by Schlosser (2001). However, striking this balance is the problem. The flip side to fast foods is that they contain high sodium content, high level of saturated and Trans fats, high number of calories per bite and less nutritional content such as vitamins and minerals (Watson, 2008). To cut on costs and appeal to the eyes and tastes buds of consumers, fast food producers are increasingly relying on processed ingredients and products, artificial additives and extracts, which have dire health implications. When taken regularly, they deprive the body of important body building elements and expose it to health problems such as clogging of the blood vessels, obesity and rising blood pressure (Levinstein, 2003). With increasingly health complications such as obesity, heart diseases and cancer associated with regular uptake of fast foods, more and more American people get more sick and less capable of fending for themselves which results in deterioration of their mental health due to stress, low self esteem and self confidence for those whose body impressions are changed by conditions such as obesity as discussed by Paeratakul et al. (2003). Reasons why Americans choose fast foods although they know their harm to health Growing up knowing fast foods Understanding why people do certain things is an intricate matter and requires in depth deliberation. Fast foods in American society can be traced back to early 1900 with establishment of fast food outlet and hamburger chains by White Castle as discussed by Luxenberg (1985). There mere fact that present day American generation has grown knowing fast foods makes it difficult for them to live without compared to people in countries such as Africa where fast food joints have yet to establish a foothold. Convenience According to Belasco & Scranton (2002), the main reason for choosing fast foods for Americans is due to convenience that they offer and the ease in obtaining them. For Americans people who are always on the move and have so much to do within twenty four hours, sitting down to have a main course meal or even prepare one, is a luxury they deem either unnecessary or they cannot afford. One cannot only order and pick fast foods through drive ways or walk in counters without taking more than five minutes, but also, have the convenience of consuming it while walking, watching a movie, in a stadium, waiting at the airport, on airplanes, on cruise ships, driving and even having a bite in the office or at the park as discussed by Schlosser (2001). According to Levinstein (2003), fast foods are easy to take since they require the use of bare hands and eliminate the need for knives, forks or plates when eating food. Ease in obtaining Moreover, fast foods offer convenience for parents who have very tight working schedules and have no time to spare to prepare meals and therefore prefer to order fast foods for their families (Luxenberg, 1985). The appealing tastes and presentation of fast foods are appetizing, lure the eyes and appease the tastes buds, which makes it easier for both young and old to enjoy compared to taking vegetables and soups as discussed by Belasco & Scranton (2002). Fast food joints are located almost at every corner of the street which makes them convenient for social meetings with friends and families. Therefore, Americans are more likely to associate fast foods with family and friends and hence, ignore the health factor. Affordability Apart from convenience, fast foods are relatively affordable. Affordability means an American fast food taker is not only able to buy food at a relatively low price but also, they are able to do so in good amounts or quantity and therefore have a filling. According to Schlosser (2001), for a few coins, one is able to obtain large portions of foods at low cost Nestle (2007) states that the cost of groceries, preparation and storage of main course meals is deemed costly. In addition, young people especially those in high schools, colleges and fresh graduates and ordinary Americans such as miners and construction workers who do not have too much to spare on food sold in main restaurants and are pressed for time are therefore, through fast foods, they can easily eat filling meals at cost effective prices, obtain fresh foods and enjoy with friends while still on work (Belasco & Scranton, 2002). Appealing advertisements and marketing strategies by fast food restaurants The media plays a major role in influencing attitudes and choices of people regarding brands, products and services. Advertising and media promotions have played a key role in influencing the choices of Americans to choose fast foods despite knowing their harm to their health (Nestle, 2007). Advertisers in fast foods are known for developing attractive adverts to appease the existing and potential customer to buy more and even try out fast foods respectively. Among popular advertisements includes ‘terrific Tuesdays and Fridays’ where consumers are able to buy fast foods at half the prices on particular days of the week and special offers such as the ‘buy two and get one free’ promotions among others. Fast food restaurants such as MacDonald’s, Steers, Chicken inns, Pizza Inns and Calitos among others are popular for posting catchy and appealing advertisements in both press and electronic media, which has had massive impact on the volume of sales on fast food menus they offer as noted by Levinstein (2003). Addiction of sugar content in fast foods Belasco & Scranton (2002) notes that due to the high sugar content which is addictive, fast food takers are constantly compelled to go back in order to feed their sugar addiction and quench their urge for sugary foodstuffs. The compulsion to address the urge and the inability to resist the urge makes majority of American people to continue feeding in fast foods despite knowing their health impact (Schlosser, 2001). Presently, more than a quarter million people die from obesity and weight related issue and even though fast foods are not the only basis for gaining weight, it is a contributor (Levinstein, 2003). Enhanced Diversity in fast food menu Fast foods is prepared in varied methods and with varied ingredients. In addition, there are a diverse array of fast foods for fast food takers to choose from ranging from soft drinks, beverages, burgers, fries, pizzas, salads, pastries, chicken nuggets, fish, sausages, ice creams, shakes and cakes among others (Sinatra & Punkre, 2006). For this reason, American people feel they have an option to choose from and are therefore they are not bored with one or two type of meals, which is common for homemade cooked meals. Diversity overrides the desire to eat healthy or in moderation as stated by Belasco & Scranton (2002). Fast foods offer a Break from home cooking Not all American people or families are too busy to cook or in too much hurry to prepare healthy meals to consume. However, once in a while in a bid to unwind, to have some family outing and to break from the monotony of home cooked meals, these families are more likely to visit fast quick joints and grab a fast meal (Nestle, 2007). Importantly, modern fast food joints have upgraded their interior design and have upgraded their image of décor, enhanced their favorable eating environment, have high efficiency in service delivery, and provide family- friendly atmosphere that appeals to family and friends that may seek to eat out as echoed by Levinstein (2003). Fast food outlets and restaurants have less hustles compared to main restaurants where for the latter; one has to book tables or make menu orders prior to eating out. The single member family factor The consumption of fast foods in America which is similar to majority of countries throughout the world is concentrated in urban areas than in rural areas. Majority of people living in major cities in the United States such as New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, California and Washington among others, are single member families who either are studying, looking for better employment prospects, are working full time or part time or are merely vacationing. This means that majority of these people live on their own having left their families in their home towns in other states or continents. Since these people are new in these cities, they do not have knowledge on the type of menus served in new towns or they may not know where the main restaurants are and therefore, they are more likely to order and eat fast foods, which are mainly accessible anywhere and are familiar and similar across varied areas. Moreover, it is more convenient and easy to eat fast food since, less time, energy and resources are required to feed one person compared to preparing full meals for one as echoed by Schlosser (2001). America as a Cosmopolitan country The fact that America is a cosmopolitan country with a diverse population of people with varied cultural backgrounds from all over the globe makes choosing fast foods the easier and familiar option when it comes to food choices. These people from different cultures have different preference for foods and are more likely to have knowledge on how to prepare certain foods based on where they come from. What may drive this population to choose fast foods is because they are not familiar with main meals prepared in America and more so, they may be inaccessible to ingredients they may require to prepare their own homemade meals (Sinatra & Punkre, 2006). Energy provision Most fast foods are laden with sugars, calories, fats, carbohydrates and proteins, which are a rich source and supply of energy for the body. For Americans who are on the go and those who are hard at work and may need constant energy intake, diverse fast foods offers them with easy and convenient way to supply their bodies with instant energy as indicated by Nestle (2007) Among American workforce who makes a large part of the population that may rely on fast foods for quick energy fixes includes fire fighters, construction workers, truck drivers, students, taxi drivers, office assistants, teachers and medical personnel among others. For example, consuming one piece of cheese burger or a piece of pizza offers a construction worker more energy in terms of calories compared to taking a piece of bread or an apple. According to Schlosser (2001), on any given day in US, approximately one quarter of the adults go to fast food joints. The author indicates that the fast food industry has been essential in changing not only the diets for majority of Americans but also American landscape, economy, popular culture and the labour force (Schlosser, 2001). Fast food as comfort food In some instances, people tend to eat food not because they are hungry but also because they are trying to fill in a void in their minds or emotional state. People are known to indulge in food as comfort and use it to go through a strenuous moment in their life (Nestle, 2007). The main reason why one may grab fast food as comfort food rather than prepare a decent meal is because they contain elements such as sugars and good tastes that seem to feed the psychological or emotional hunger one might be experiencing. In America, fast foods are either a block away or merely a call away (Sinatra & Punkre, 2006). As a form of treating oneself There are occasions that majority of Americans indulge in fast foods as a way of treating oneself after a hard day’s work or when an individual wants to give a treat to a family member or a friend and does not have so much resources in terms of time and money to spare. Fast foods therefore, are seen as an easier and as a good, pleasant way to treat one self and others (Nestle, 2007). Conclusion Fast foods are defined as meals that are prepared and served quickly over walk in counters or through driveways. Fast foods are not only dominating the food industry in America but also, they are gaining ground in other developed and developing economies. Fast foods are closely linked to health complications such as obesity, diabetes, certain cancers and health complications as a result of the content in these foods. Among contents of fast foods that makes them unsuitable for good health includes high amount of sugars, high level of calories per bites, bad cholesterol content, artificial additives and extracts and saturated and trans fats. Despite these many adverse effects fast foods has on health, majority of American population still choose and prefer to consume fast foods which generate the questions on the reasons why. From the findings of the report based on previous studies and literature, the main reasons why majority of Americans choose fast foods despite knowing its harm on their health includes convenience, affordability, variety of choices, addiction, ease in accessibility, energy provision, appealing adverts and effective marketing strategies by fast food restaurants. In addition, the perception of fast foods as comfort food, as a means to connect with family and friends, as a break from monotony of home cooking and familiarity Americans have with fast foods having grown seeing and eating from fast food places. All these factors overrides the concern for health for majority of American people, who consume fast foods knowing full well the health consequences for lack of moderation or eating fast foods that lack nutritional values. References Belasco, W.J., & Scranton, P. 2002. Food nations: selling taste in consumer societies. Upper River Saddle: Routledge. Levinstein, H. 2003. Paradox of Plenty: a Social History of Eating in Modern America. Berkeley: University of California Press. Luxenberg, S.1985. Roadside Empires: How the Chains Franchised America. New York: Viking. Nestle, M. 2007. Food politics: how the food industry influences nutrition and health. Berkeley: University of California Press. Paeratakul, S., Ferdinand, D. P., Champagne, C. M., Ryan, D. H., & Bray, G. A. 2003. Fast-food consumption among US adults and children: Dietary and nutrient intake profile. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 103(10). Schlosser, E. 2001. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Sinatra, S., & Punkre, J. 2006. The Fast Food Diet: Lose Weight and Feel Great Even If You're Too Busy to Eat Right. Sidney: John Wiley and Sons. Watson, S. 2008. Fast Food. London: The Rosen Publishing Group. Read More