Obesity is that state of heath in which weight exceeds up to the standards and abnormal amount of fat stores in great amount.

Unfortunately this problem is affecting every age group. From fast food to the world of electronics, the life has become so quick and easy. Over eating and consumption of fast foods can increase the risk of obesity it is one of the major cause of getting fat.

The wide range of fast food include burger, French fries, sandwiches, condiments like ketchup or mayonnaise rich food, fried chicken, salads with rich cream dressings, Italian or Mexican fast food etc.
Fast food culture is spreading like a fire around the world. More and more restaurants are opening. Mostly people prefer fast food restaurants foe their convenience but they don’t know that how much they have to pay for this convenience in shape of obesity. Most alarming aspect of these fast food restaurants is that they often offer tempting deals with super size combination with free cola drinks etc. they are actually BAD DEALS in term of nutrition providing extra ordinary large serving size to one person.

In fact this fast food trend is introducing toxic food environment which exposes as to high calories, high fat, high sugar and sodium foods. Average fast food meals can contribute 1000 kcal or more.
Fast food is commonly eaten in-between meals, as snacking and also as a part of lunch and dinner. School canteens are the important source of promoting and providing fast foods to children. People who consumed fast food twice a week can gain 4-5kg weight once a week which is very dangerous.

There is a strong association between fast food and television. People love to consume burger, pizza, fries etc with cola drinks while watching programs. The role of media in promoting fast food products is influencing a lot. Fast foods are mostly heavily advertised by media.

All over the world America is believed to be a fast food nation and a rate of obesity is also high in this country. France, Italy, Spain, Japan and China are one of those countries who resisted on fast food and focus on high quality and natural foods. That is why the rate of obesity is high than those countries.

High consumption of fast food can lead to many chronic diseases and complications. Obesity can also lead to these problems.

• Diabetes
• Insulin resistance
• Hypertension
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Arthritis (bone disorder)
• Dental caries etc.

These chronic problems can be fatal.

Guidelines:

There are some guidelines for making healthier choices at fast food resturantsto prevent obesity in society. Keeping in mind Moderation is always key.

• Order healthy and fresh salads and veggies
• Control portion size
• Be careful while selecting menus
• Prefer broiled, steam or baked form
• Go for olive oil, vinegar or mustard dressings
• Eat mindfully
• Share your dessert with some one
• Avoid buffet
• Drink water with meal or order unsweetened iced tea or lemonade instead of cola drinks. 32oz of cola can provide 425kcal.
• Always read labels before buying any ready to eat or prepare products. Check its list of ingredients with the number of calories per serving.

Prevention is better than cure. We can prevent to spread obesity by stop supporting and promoting the un healthy fast food chain. We can change this toxic environment into a healthy environment. The contribution of parents, school administration, doctors, dieticians and especially media is needed.

Prohibition of fast-food commercials would reduce young obese children by 18 percent and obese older kids by 14 percent, researchers said.

In experts’ opinion, it’s the first study which shows that the TV commercials of fast-food have such a great impact on childhood obesity.

“Our study provides evidence of that link,” said study co-author Michael Grossman.

The percentage of obese children in U.S. is steadily rising from the 1980s. About one third of American kids are overweight or obese, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates.

There are number of reasons causing childhood obesity, but for many years researchers were analyzing the effects of TV advertisement of fast food. Powell, for instance, found fast-food commercials account almost 23 percent of the food-related ads kids repetitively see on TV.

The new study collects data from previous government surveys started from late 90s and involved in-person interviews with thousands of U.S. families. The researchers also acquire size of fast-food commercials audience from 75 largest TV markets.

With the help of statistical test researchers deduce that, TV ads lead to obesity, while keeping in view the other factors like, income and number of fast-food restaurants in proximity.

They also look for the possibility that, some children may already have been overweight and inactive apart from their TV-watching habits.