NEW YORK – Americans have sharply reduced their fast food consumption in recent years, according to a new study that is reigniting a simmering debate about the causes and impact of consumers’ shifting dietary habits.
Immediate Impact
The study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday reveals a significant drop in calories consumed from fast food. The percentage decreased from 14.1% during 2013-14 to 11.7% between August 2021 and August 2023. Despite this decline, about a third of Americans aged 20 and older consume fast food on any given day.
Key Details Emerge
Some health professionals on Long Island express skepticism about the study’s results, citing the ongoing obesity epidemic. Dr. Lori Berman, a pediatrician at Allied Pediatrics in Valley Stream, commented, “I’m not seeing it. Children mimic their parents’ eating habits.”
Caloric intake from fast food among American adults has decreased from 14.1% to 11.7% between 2013-14 and 2021-23.
Industry Response
While some experts argue that fast food consumption remains unchanged, others attribute the shift to the influence of social media, which has made healthy eating more popular. Alyssa Morando, a registered dietitian at St. Charles Hospital, notes that young adults see healthy eating as “trendy,” influenced by platforms like TikTok.
By the Numbers
Adults aged 20-39 consume 15.2% of their daily calories from fast food, whereas those aged 40-59 consume 11.9%, and those 60 and older consume 7.6%.
Background Context
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics did not draw definitive conclusions about the decrease in fast food calorie consumption. However, it noted that fast food is associated with higher intake of calories, fat, sodium, and sugar, and lower intake of essential nutrients like fiber and calcium.
Expert Analysis
Cleopatra Tsanis-Tsirnikas, a dietitian at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream hospital, observes that while some individuals move away from fast food, they may not necessarily choose healthier alternatives. She highlights that economic struggles lead some to opt for ultra-processed convenience foods.
Regional Implications
Outside a Commack Whole Foods store, local shoppers expressed their views on fast food. Joann Lawrence, 52, from Valley Stream, stated, “I try not to eat fast food as much as possible. Cheap prices equal cheap food.”
What Comes Next
As the fast food industry faces declining sales, companies like McDonald’s attribute this to economic conditions rather than a consumer shift towards healthier options. McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski expressed confidence in navigating market challenges.
“Consumers today are grappling with uncertainty,” said McDonald’s chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski.
The study’s findings coincide with a reported decline in sales from fast food giants, including McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, and Burger King. This trend may indicate a broader shift in consumer behavior, influenced by economic factors and changing dietary preferences.
