The Fast Food Industry: Advantages, Disadvantages and Its Impact on the Economy

Learn about the advantages & disadvantages of fast food & its impact on the economy. Understand both sides of this industry before making decisions about eating at a fast-food restaurant.

The Fast Food Industry: Advantages, Disadvantages and Its Impact on the Economy

The fast food industry has become an integral part of the American food economy. People are drawn to its convenience and speed, which is why McDonald's was so successful in this competitive industry. Restaurants that deliver food off-site must also expedite delivery to avoid customer dissatisfaction. On average, one in four people in the United States visits a fast food restaurant every day.

McDonald's, Wendy's and Burger King are the three largest fast-food chains with the greatest economic impact in the US. These fast-food giants have infiltrated not only supermarkets and shopping centers, but also schools and universities. In fact, 13% of schools in the country have a fast food franchise that sells directly to students. Many fast food franchises give schools scholarships, money, and the right to sell their products in schools. The average American eats three hamburgers and four orders of French fries in a single week, so it's no surprise that the fast food industry has become a scapegoat for obesity in our country. While you don't want to eat three fast food meals every day, eating a couple of dollars can give you enough food in one meal that your body can use to produce energy. Fast food restaurants have high human resource costs due to the staffing of the kitchen, counter and cleaning equipment, and any increase in salaries reduces the bottom line.

Some people think that the fast food industry is partly responsible for the overall increase in obesity and for several health problems resulting from being overweight. When Americans start thinking about fast food options, they're usually looking for hamburgers, sandwiches, and French fries. Most fast food products, including side dishes and beverages ordered with the main meal, are usually high in carbohydrates and have very little, if any, fiber. Food choices can also affect the appearance of your skin, but it may not be the foods you expect to cause problems. The advantages and disadvantages of fast food should first analyze health impacts before any other concern, because of how dangerous these foods can be over time. Restaurants in the fast food industry have carefully designed menus in order to be able to cook food quickly and easily.

Fast food menu products undergo mass-market shipping, production and freezing processes to reduce the cost of each product. Fast food restaurants generally pay low salaries, so low that, in fact, a recent study states that more than 50% of front-line fast food employees rely on public assistance programs. Adults and children who eat fast food products at least three times a week are also more likely to develop eczema. If you opted for organic, fresh produce for calories, it could be ten times more expensive compared to fast food. When you choose to eat at a fast food restaurant, you expect to familiarize yourself with the products on the menu. While there is some truth in this topic, most restaurants offer a clear calorie count in their food so you can make an intelligent decision about what you choose to eat. There are several advantages and disadvantages of fast food to consider if you need a quick meal.

Fast food is convenient and inexpensive but it can also be unhealthy if consumed too often. It is important to understand both sides of this industry before making any decisions about eating at a fast-food restaurant.