20% Of Calories From Fast Food CDC Says

Fast Food Consumption Shown To Contribute To Weight Gain

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2007–2010, shows adults consumed, on average, 11.3% of their total daily calories from fast food. While, the consumption of calories from fast food significantly decreased with age, non-Hispanic black adults consumed a higher percentage of calories from fast food compared with non-Hispanic white and Hispanic adults.

During 2007–2010, the highest percentage of calories from fast food was consumed among adults who were aged 20–39 or non-Hispanic black or obese. Among young non-Hispanic black adults, more than one-fifth of their calories were consumed from fast food.

As lifestyles become more hectic, fast-food consumption has become a growing part of the American diet. Fast food is food usually sold at eating establishments for quick availability or takeout. More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese, and frequent fast-food consumption has been shown to contribute to weight gain

No difference was observed by income status in the percentage of calories consumed from fast food among all adults. Among young adults, however, as income increased, the percentage of calories from fast food decreased.

The percentage of total daily calories from fast food increased as weight status increased.

During 2007–2010, adults consumed an average 11.3% of their total daily calories from fast food, a decrease from 12.8% for 2003–2006. The percentage of calories consumed from fast food did not differ significantly between men (11.8%) and women (10.9%). The percentage of calories consumed from fast food decreased with age, with adults aged 60 and over (6.0%) consuming the lowest percentage of their daily calories from fast foods. This decrease with age was found among both men and women.

An earlier report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that the percentage of adults eating fast food increased from the early 1990s to the mid-1990s. Moreover, previous studies have reported that more frequent fast-food consumption is associated with higher energy and fat intake and lower intake of healthful nutrients. 

This report indicates that for 2007–2010, on average, adults consumed just over one-tenth of their percentage of calories from fast food, which represents a decrease from 2003–2006 when approximately 13% of calories were consumed from fast food.

CDC's February Report