There are over 50,000 fast food restaurants in the United States and 20% of all American meals are eaten in the car. On average, 12% of an American child’s diet consists of fast food. In an average month, an American will consume 18.2 meals away from their home. Each meal will usually cost an average of $12.75, which results in about $232 being spent per month on fast food and up to $1,200 being spent per year just to eat out.

Kids ages 12 to 16 need between 1,600 to 2,200 calories per day. A cheeseburger usually contains anywhere from 600 to 900 calories, which is pushing the calorie limit, considering most people eat 2 to 3 times a day. This can lead to some more serious issues as well.

Overeating, especially overeating fast food, can cause some progressive problems. It slows down metabolism and can potentially shut it down due to the excessive intake. This can lead to obesity and diabetes. Overeating can cause sleepiness and tiredness while stressing out a body’s organs and bones. In addition, a person can experience blood sugar swings and sensitivity to hot and cold weather due to overeating.

The emotional aspects of overeating are problematic as well. Overeating and consistently eating out can cause depression (which can lead to more eating) and dramatically affect a person’s self-esteem. The weight gain and bloated feeling that one is left with after a large meal can decrease the confidence and activity of a person. The problem continues on with this cycle.

7 Ways to Reduce Overeating:

• Drink water before and during your meal.
• Get enough sleep and eat breakfast in the morning.
• Eat smaller portions.
• Snack healthy throughout the day.
• Stress control
• If you’re eating from home, use smaller plates.
• Pay attention to what you’re eating and your portions.

Contributed By:

healthyeating.sfgate.com/junk-food-affects-children-5985.html

www.cbsnews.com/news/many-U-S-kids-eat-fast -food-every-day/

www.nytimes.com/2015/09/22/health/how-much-junk-food-do-teenagers-eat.html

www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/diet/how-much-do-children-actually-need-to-eat/news-story/4f3a849ccf7e62573e36fcc0cf16b5

www.csmonitor.com/Business/The-Simple-Dollar/2012/0710/common-dollars-and-sense- Eating-uss-fast-food-does-a-body-good