Fast food—The rise in consumption of fast food, in
developed and developing nations, might have particular
relevance to the childhood obesity epidemic. Fast food
typically incorporates all of the potentially adverse
dietary factors described above, including saturated and
trans fat, high glycaemic index, high energy density, and,
increasingly, large portion size. Additionally, these foods
tend to be low in fibre, micronutrients, and antioxidants;
dietary components that affect risk of cardiovascular
disease and diabetes.110,111 Results of several studies112–114
suggest an association between fast-food consumption
and total energy intake or bodyweight in adolescents and
adults. Although there are no data on fast food and
obesity in children, adolescent girls who ate fast food
four times a week or more consumed about 770–1095 kJ
(185–260 kcal) per day more than those who did not.115
A large fast food meal (double cheeseburger, french fries,
soft drink, dessert) could contain 9200 kJ (2200 kcal),
which, at 350 kJ (85 kcal) per mile, would require a full
marathon to burn off.