This country faces an epidemic: Not of disease like West Nile Virus or the Avian Flu, or modern technology like cell phones or iPods, but of fast food.
Even in Madison, the streets light up like the Las Vegas strip; however, casinos are replaced by restaurants, and people only gamble with their health.
Fast food eyesores compete for space—and people's attention—like baby birds fighting for a solitary worm.
These monstrosities attract an array of victims from all demographics: businesspeople in need of a quick bite, kids rushing to soccer practice, college students fueling up before a late-night cram session.
Nutrition fact tables reveal grim news concerning famous fast food items. A Burger King Whopper and Double Whopper contain 10 and 19 grams of saturated fat, respectively.
A McDonald's Big Mac contains 10 grams of saturated fat, while a Quarter Pounder with Cheese contains 12 grams. Two pieces of KFC's Original Recipe Chicken contain 8.1 grams of saturated fat and a serving of Popcorn Chicken contains 10.4 grams.
More elaborate items on Taco Bell's menu contain more saturated fat than less elaborate items. For example, a crunchy taco contains only 2.5 grams of saturated fat, whereas a Beef Grilled Stuft Burrito contains 11 grams. Even a Fiesta Taco Salad with shell contains 14 grams. Yikes.
Why all the statistics? According to the Food and Drug Administration, high levels of LDL, or ‘bad' cholesterol, and low levels of HDL, or ‘good' cholesterol, are risk factors for heart disease. These cholesterols can reach dangerous levels upon high intakes of saturated fat. Therefore, people who ‘Head for the Border,' may be heading for the hospital.
Granted, some fast food franchises try to offer healthier options to consumers, but the question remains whether consumers follow through. McDonald's sales rose 3.5 percent this August; however, the chain attributes this success to its new Snack Wrap as well as its ever-popular breakfast menu.
Fast food chains know what people want: tasty food, regardless of nutritional value. Meanwhile, health problems such as heart disease, stroke and obesity have reach ed all-time highs. In fact, according to the Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States since 2002—even more than cancer or stroke.
Unhealthy diets affect students as well. University Housing Food Service attempts to offer students healthier alternatives at affordable prices. Unfortunately, according to Bob Sessenden, a representative for UHFS, students do not take advantage of these healthier, cheaper options.
""Our healthiest items are priced the lowest. We charge 22 cents an ounce for the salad bar,"" stated Sessenden. However, he went on to reveal, ""We spend $30,000 to $100,000 more on salad than we get back."" Forced to make this debt up, UHFS must depend on income from other, less healthy foods.
Unless someone takes a stand, U.S. citizens will continue to empty their wallets and stuff their mouths at these fine establishments. Filling up on fast food might satisfy hunger momentarily, but living a longer, healthier life is more fulfilling.
Joe Skurzewski is a freshman majoring in journalism. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
