NEGATIVE HEALTH EFFECTS OF MCDONALDS 1

Running Head: NEGATIVE HEALTH EFFECTS OF MCDONALDS

Im Not Lovin It: The Negative Health Effects of McDonalds Fast Food
Rachel Law
Glen Allen High School
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Abstract

This paper compares the recommendations of the Food and Drug Administration with

McDonalds fast food to analyze the effect of fast food on the body. Although its known fried

and fatty foods negatively impact health, the extent to which its presence within a diet

contributes to the damage done is unknown. The first part of the paper compares daily nutrient

values with popular items off McDonalds menu to demonstrate the influx of sodium,

cholesterol, and saturated fat in fast food. Secondly, studies and opinions, explaining the effects

of heart disease fast foods contribution to coronary complications is introduced for readers to

better understand how the chemicals present in fast food effect the body. Finally, an analysis on

McDonalds contribution to rising obesity rates, in children and adults, cholesterol, and the

prevalence of type 2 diabetes is addressed to reach the conclusion McDonalds fast food should

be avoided when possible.

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Introduction

Over time, food expenditure spent on meals away from home increased from 38% in

1993 to 42% in 2001 (Bowman & Vinyard, 2004). Due to an increase in work week hours,

increase[ing] 20% in the last three decades, leaving less time for food preparation (Bowman &

Vinyard, 2004) and an easily accessible nature, fast food has continued to play an increasing role

within the American diet. Although fast food chains have been criticized, Americans continue to

consume fried foods due to taste and cost, rarely considering the dense energy levels associated

with fast food, nor health consequences (Glanz et al., 1998). Unsurprisingly, paired with the rise

in food expenditure outside the home, annual deaths from heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and

cholesterol have continued to rise. Since 1970, obesity in teenagers has increased from 3.5% to

19% (Glanz et al., 1998). Research and studies have highlighted fast food chains have

continued to contribute to the rising health epidemic. Although the extent to which fast food

damages the body is disputed, depending on family history and frequency, researchers agree

McDonalds fast food lacks nutrients and contains ingredients, if found in excess within the

body, cause chronic disease. Due to excess saturated fat, sodium levels, and cholesterol:

McDonalds fast food negatively effects the body, increasing risk for heart disease, obesity, and

high cholesterol.

EPA Health Standards v. McDonalds Menu Items

Americans eat and drink one-third of their calories away from home daily, leading the

Food and Drug Administration to require fast food restaurants to provide calorie count and have

nutrition values present in the restaurant after information presented by research groups showed

strong correlation between food choice and calorie content (Food and Drug Administration,
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2015). In 2008, Harnack and French conducted an experience in college cafeterias, labeling food

choices with clear nutrition values for two weeks after observing traditional eating patterns. After

adding the labels, researches showed a sharp decrease in consumption of meals dense with

carbohydrates and fat, deeming knowledge about nutrition information [has] a positive

influence on food choices in a cafeteria (Harnack & French, 2008). If informed on the nutrition

values of food, individuals are more likely to make more positive food choices and reduce fast

food consumption (Macera, 2003).

Based on a 2,000 calorie diet, the daily recommended values are as followed: total fat

65g, saturated fat20g, cholesterol200mg, sodium2,400mg, carbohydrate300g, fiber

25g, protein50g, calcium1000mg, iron18mg. Each of these elements are essential to daily

function, however too much or too little has negative effects on the body (U.S. Food & Drug

Administration, 2015). Daily recommended values, however, may vary by age and activity level.

For instance, an active teenage boy needs 3,400 calories compared to a sedentary eighteen-year-

old who only needs 2,400. Females the same age need anywhere from 1,800 to 2,400 depending

on lifestyle (US Food and Drug Administration, 2013).

However, within fast food chains like McDonalds chloric value of each item is an

inaccurate representation of the meals effect on the body, containing silent killers: sodium,

cholesterol, saturated fat, and sugar. If ordering the quarter pounder alone, one will consume

61% of their daily recommended saturated fat, 31% of cholesterol, and 45% of sodium. Adding a

side of large fries will increase values to 78%, 31%, 57% respectively (McDonalds

Incorporation, 2017). Although in moderation fast food does not pose a significant threat to ones

health (World Health Organization, 2015), frequenting fast food chains more than three times per

week begins to deteriorate the body, lacking nutrients necessary for survival. In a study,
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researchers randomly surveyed 900 parents on fast food intake within their home, finding more

frequent fast-food purchases for family meals are associated with overweight among female

parents, the availability of less nutritious food in the home, fewer vegetables and higher salty

snack intake among parents (Boutelle et al., 2007).

Heart Disease and Fast Food

Heart disease is the single largest killer of Americans with a 47% probability of

eventually dying from cardio vascular disease (Thom et al., 2006). The heart is vital for

survival, transporting nutrients and oxygen through blood vessels. During a heart attack, caused

by a blockage or atherosclerosis, the muscle fails to receive oxygen. Fat build up can start as

young as the age of ten and has become increasingly present as childhood obesity rates continue

to rise. Plaque builds up when cholesterol lodges in the wall of the artery, causing white blood

cells to trap the cholesterolturn[ing] into foamy cells that ooze fat and cause inflammation,

triggering muscles within the artery to harden over the area (Harvard Education, 2011). While

build up may be reduced by eating a plant based diet incorporating fruits, vegetables, and whole

grains, allowing arteries to heal (Emory Healthcare, 2007), the excess strain and damage due

to narrowed [arteries] from a buildup of fat cannot be undone (American Heart Association,

2016).

Although family history of heart disease may play a role in buildup, smoking, diet, and

exercise are the three largest factors in heart health (World Health Organization, 2015). In a

study completed by Canadian researches, scientists concluded each increase of one fast-food

outlet per 100,000 people in a region corresponded to an additional one death per 100,000

persons, concluding more fast food restaurants in an area correspond with higher levels of
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acute coronary syndromes and mortality and hospitalization (Alter & Eny, 2005). Fast food,

while convenient, poses a threat to health seen in the rises in heart disease and obesity can be

linked to increased expenditure away from home.

The ingredients present in McDonalds food are problematic in the way they effect the

body, increasing bad levels of cholesterol and sodium intake, increasing risk for heart disease.

The daily intake of sodium and cholesterol has increased significantly since 1970, marked by an

increase in portion size of fast-food outlets (Thom et al., 2006). Furthermore, a study conducted

by Boone et al. (2011) found those who lived closer to restaurants and at fast food more regularly

had body conditions that deteriorated more quickly than those who did not eat fast food. Heart

disease is caused by a variety of factors, but studies prove consuming fast-food increases chances

of developing complications. In a study conducted by the University of Michigan (2011)

researches found eating fast food one time a week increases the risk of developing heart disease

by 20%, two times a week by 50%, and three times by over 80%.

McDonalds was specifically tested for its contribution to health decline in the

documentary Super Size Me. McDonalds alone has 30,000 restaurants in over one hundred

countries, serving approximately forty-six million customers a day. Currently, McDonalds

makes up 43% of the fast food market in America and serves as the second largest fast food

chain in the world (Spurlock, 2004). During the study, Morgan Spurlock consumed McDonalds

fast food three meals a day for a month. Although being advised by researchers to stop due to

health complications developed during the experiment, Spurlock continued. In the final testing

completed at the end of the month, Spurlock doubled his risk of developing coronary heart

disease in a one-month period of consuming McDonalds fast food.

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Obesity on the Rise

America falls in the top fifteen for most obese countries with more than 35% of

Americans being classified as overweight. Correlated with the rise in body mass index,

according to the World Health Organization, are sales in fast food. Fast food restaurants serve, on

average, fifty million customers a day, McDonalds alone serving fifty-one million customers

daily (Supersize Me, 2004). Since 1963, obesity rates in teens and adults have continued to rise

steadily (Haase, Rosamond, & Howard, 2006). While fast food is easily accessible and

economically feasible, its nutritional value provides little content to diets. Fast food is marked

by high levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium while lacking protein and vitamins necessary

for growth. In a study, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania attempted to assess

Americans on why they picked the foods they choose to eat. Researchers found taste, on the 5-

point scale, was the most important factor (4.7), followed by cost (4.1). Weight control was the

least important of the five different factors assessed. Among youth, cost and convenience were

the most important factors.

More than 14% of all U.S. deaths in 1990 could be attributed to poor diet and activity

patterns due to low fruit and vegetable consumption and high saturated fat intake (Macera,

2003). Since 1970, obesity in teenagers has increased from 3.5 to 19% (Glanz et al. 1998).

Obesity rates continue to rise, possibly contributed to an increased prevalence of fast food

restaurants. The Federal Drug Administration classifies obesity as body fat greater than 25% for

males and 32% of females relative to bodyweight (Food and Drug Administration, 2015). In a

study, researchers randomly surveyed 900 parents on fast food intake within their home, finding

more frequent fast-food purchases for family meals are associated with overweight among

female parents, the availability of less nutritious food in the home, fewer vegetables and higher
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salty snack intake among parents. According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance

System, obesity in 18-to29-year-old age group increased from 7.1% to 12.1% (Morrow et

al., 2006) In the United States, poor diet and physical inactivity cause 310,000 to 580,000

deaths per year largely due to diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, and stroke complications.

High energy levels associated with fast food, more specifically McDonalds, contributes

to higher risks of becoming obese. Large portion sizes and fatty foods create an energy

imbalance with fewer calories being expelled than consumed. Since 1985, calorie consumption

per capita has increased by more than 800 calories daily (Medical News). In 2002 a group of

overweight children in New York City sued McDonalds for engag[ing] in deceptive

advertising, sales, and promotion; produced food that was unreasonably unsafe; and failed to

warn consumers of the dangers of its products. in Pelman v. McDonalds. Although the case was

eventually dismissed, the litigation called attention to the adverse consequences of consuming

fast food. The case was dismissed under the notion the danger associated with the product [was]

open and obvious and a consequence of his or her own poor decisions (Mello, Rimm, &

Studdert, 2003). In a statement from Judge Robert Sweet, If consumers know (or reasonably

should know) the potential ill health effects of eating at McDonalds, they cannot blame

McDonalds if they, nonetheless, choose to satiate their appetite with a surfeit of supersized

McDonalds products. While it is known fast food is not an ideal choice, the effects of

overconsumption are not properly addressed, leaving a gap between consumers and companies.

Obesity continues to impact the health care industry, currently resulting in over $117

billion in health care costs annually (ABC).However, an even larger concern is how obesity

rates continue to rise in children. Since 1980 childhood obesity rates have tripled (Sate of

Obesity, 2017). Children with obesity are more likely to develop chronic health conditions
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including: asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, or type 2 diabetes (Freedman, dietz,

Srinivasan, Berenson, 2017). Additionally, in a study conducted by Geier et al. (2007) researches

found children with obesity are more likely to face obstacles with friends and quadruple the

chance of being classified as obese as an adult. McDonalds attempted to battle rising childhood

obesity through offering additional sides as a replacement for fries (Physicians Committee for

Responsible Medicine). However, despite reforms to meals, McDonalds continues to target

children and their families through marketing. In 2002, the cities of San Francisco and New York

fined McDonalds 1.6 million for giving toys away to children. Lawyers later found a loophole,

raising the meals cost an additional ten cents so they would not be giving toys away for free

(Business Insider, 2013). Due to increased prevalence of fast food restaurants in society and

diets, Americans face struggles finding time for proper meals. The critical period for childrens

diets occurs between the ages of seven and twelve and is highly accurate predicting the way

children eat as adults.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a form of fat found in blood cells, necessary for the formation of cell

membranes, steroid hormones, and bile acid. Cholesterol cannot naturally dissolve in the blood

and requires lipoproteins to transport it through the body. High cholesterol may increase blood

pressure, causing the heart to work abnormally hard (World health Organization, 2015). Two

different forms of cholesterol are present in the body: High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or

good cholesterol and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) bad cholesterol. HDL lowers chances

of heart disease and is found in foods such as fish, nuts, beans, or whole grains. LDL comes from

foods high in saturated fat and increases risk for heart disease. Cholesterol in the body requires
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lipoproteins to break it down. During the process, LDL the lipoproteins digestion creates toxins

in the blood, attracting white blood cells to the area, causing the formation of plaque overtime

(FH Foundation, 2017). When overeaten, cholesterol builds up on the inner walls of arteries,

forming plaque. The formation of plaque narrows arteries, making them less efficient in

transporting blood to the heart. When cholesterol lodges in the wall of the artery, causing white

blood cells to trap the cholesterolturn[ing] into foamy cells that ooze fat and cause

inflammation, triggering muscles within the artery to harden over the area (Harvard Education,

2011). The buildup of white blood cells in arteries

Additionally, foods high in fat increase bad levels of cholesterol in the blood. The FDA

recommends 20g of saturated fat, 200 mg of cholesterol, 2,4000 mg of sodium, and six to nine

teaspoons of sugar (Food and Drug Administration, 2015). Looking at McDonalds menu,

starting the day with a Big Breakfast Meal, a mere $5, takes up half the recommended daily

value for calories, 90% of daily sodium, 96% of saturated fat, and a whopping 192% of

cholesterol (McDonalds Inc, 2015). More than fifty percent of McDonalds fast food products

take up more than 60% of daily cholesterol levels individually. When paired together in meals,

the cholesterol value exceeds recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration.

The Food and Drug Administration estimates Americans eat, on average, five grams of

trans fat a day [and] twenty-five grams of saturated fat, levels the National Academy of

Sciences report are unsafe for consumers (SF Gate, 2002). In 2002 McDonalds altered their

fry recipe, replacing saturated fats with unsaturated oil to lower cholesterol levels after a New

York man sued McDonalds, claiming that the food contributed to his obesity, heart disease and

diabetes. President of McDonalds USA stated, Its a win-win for our customers, because they

are getting the same great French-fry tastewith an even healthier nutrition profile (Schdev,
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2002). The change reduced levels of trans-fat, a manufactured acid which increases LDL

cholesterol levels (Mayo Clinic, 2017). Although the change was reported to be undetected by

97% of patrons, the company had to undergo another change in 2016 after complaints,

decreasing cholesterol levels and instead raising sodium (Schdev, 2002). While improvements to

the company have been made overtime, McDonalds still has a long ways to go until its meals

fall in line with daily recommended values.

Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the body is no longer able to produce or respond to the hormone

insulinresulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the

blood and urine (Buse et al., 2009). Type 1 Diabetes accounts for only 5 in 100 people who

have diabetes. Type 1 occurs when the immune system destroy cells that release insulin,

preventing its production in the body. Type 1 occurs due to a defect in the immune system

compared to Type 2 diabetes, while may be inherited, most often occurs as result of an

imbalanced diet, lack of exercise, or obesity. With type 2 diabetes, the body no longer responds

to insulin correctly (Pereira et al., 2002).

The rise of type 2 diabetes in children and young adults has been called a new epidemic

by doctors with a 33% increasein the past decade. Prior to 1992, type 2 diabetes accounted

for up to 16% ofpediatric diabetes compared to 45%...by 1999 (Kaufman, 2002). In an

analysis on the American diet, researches noted, several factors inherent to fast food as it now

exists could promote a positive energy balance and thereby increase risk for obesity and diabetes,

including: excessive portion size, with single large meals often approaching or exceeding

individual daily energy requirement (Ebbeling, Pawlak, Ludwig, 2002).

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Conclusion

In the United States, poor diet and physical inactivity cause 310,000 to 580,000 deaths

per year largely due to diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, and stroke, all complications caused by

poor diets. In 1990, more than 14% of all U.S. deathscould be attributed to poor diet and

activity patterns due to low fruit and vegetable consumption and high saturated fat intake, a

value that has increased with time (Macera, 2003). McDoanlds fast food negatively effects the

body through increased levels of toxic chemicals, leading to further complications as consumed

more regularly. Frequenting fast food restaurants has been shown to have a positive correlation

with chronic diseases and should be avoided when possible, or replaced with less energy dense

meals from restaurants including, but not limited to: Subway, Panera, or Chipotle (Minkin &

Renaud, 2016). Although McDonalds is convenient, its fast food has long lasting effects on the

body. While you might be lovin it, your body is not.

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