GLOBAL FAST FOOD CONSUMPTION AND ITS IMPACT ON HEALTH: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF CONSUMPTION TRENDS, NUTRITION, AND HEALTH OUTCOMES

Abstract

Today, fast food is an important part of the global food landscape. Highly processed foods (sugar-sweetened beverages, processed sandwiches, French fries, pizza, fried chicken, and burgers) are widely available across high-income and LMIC countries. Changes in dietary behaviour have been influenced by urbanisation, new working patterns, convenience, aggressive marketing, food delivery services, and portion sizes and affordability. Whilst the occasional intake of fast food can fit within a balanced diet, regular intake may be associated with greater consumption of calorie-rich foods containing high levels of saturated fats, free sugars and refined carbohydrates and sodium. These eating habits have been linked to overweight, obesity and some cardiometabolic health outcomes. In 2022, WHO estimated that there were 2.5 billion adults affected by overweight or obesity, including approximately 890 million who had obesity, while more than 390 million children and adolescents between 5 and 19 years of age were classified as overweight.

The role of the growth of fast-food consumption in the global population is examined, as well as the nutritional properties, health effects, vulnerable groups, social and environmental influences, and strategies for fast-food prevention.