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- A recent World Atlas report warns of the health risks of consuming fast food.
- The ranking names the 10 unhealthiest fast food chains.
- The rankings are based on analysis of nutrition data, menu gimmicks and marketing tactics, the report said.
Next time you’re thinking of stopping at a local fast food drive-thru, consider the health risks first.
In a new report, World Atlas ranks the top 10 unhealthiest fast food chains, warning of higher risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Wendy’s ranked as the unhealthiest, along with other popular chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Little Caesars and Chick-fil-A.
Here’s what to know.
What is fast food?
Fast food is a a type of dining from restaurants selling quick, convenient meals, World Food and Wine says. In the U.S., many fast food chains offer drive-thru options to order from your car and take your food to go.
Which fast food chains are the 10 unhealthiest?
The following fast food chains are the 10 unhealthiest, the World Atlas report says:
- Wendy’s
- Sonic
- Taco Bell
- Dairy Queen
- KFC
- Quiznos
- McDonald’s
- Smashburger
- Little Caesars
- Chick-fil-A
Why are the 10 chains unhealthy?
The ranking cited high calorie, sodium, saturated fat and sugar contents in menu items at the fast food chains, and lack of nutritional value. In many cases, the fast food meals surpassed recommended daily limits to maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
This poses serious health concerns as consuming excess of these elements can lead to higher risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, per the report. The report warns that 19.7% of children ages 2-19 in the U.S. are considered obese.
Fast food can raise your blood pressure due to its high sodium contents, cause bloating, increase your cholesterol from high saturated fat, lead to indigestion due to lack of fiber, lead to weight gain due to bigger portions and high sugar content, spike your blood sugar and lack nutrients, the Cleveland Clinic says.
How was the report compiled?
World Atlas ranked the 10 fast food chains based on its analysis of nutrition data, menu gimmicks and marketing tactics, the report said.
What is World Atlas?
World Atlas is a global geography resource providing information on developments in sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics, travel and more, its website says.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.