NEW YORK – Americans have significantly reduced their fast food consumption in recent years, sparking a renewed debate over the drivers and consequences of changing dietary habits.
Immediate Impact
According to a study released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), calories consumed from fast food decreased from 14.1% during 2013-14 to 11.7% between August 2021 and August 2023. Despite this decline, approximately one-third of Americans aged 20 and older still consume fast food on any given day.
Key Details Emerge
While some Long Island health professionals remain skeptical of these findings, citing the persistent obesity epidemic, others note the influence of social media in promoting healthier eating habits. Dr. Lori Berman, a pediatrician at Allied Pediatrics in Valley Stream, expressed doubt about the study’s results, observing that children often emulate their parents’ eating behaviors.
“I’m not seeing it,” said Dr. Lori Berman. “What I’m finding as a trend in my patients is that children mimic [their] parents’ eating habits.”
Despite the skepticism, the report from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics highlights a significant shift in fast food consumption patterns among American adults.
Industry Response
The decline in caloric intake from fast food aligns with a drop in sales reported by major fast food chains like McDonald’s, which experienced a 3.6% decrease in same-store sales, marking the largest drop since the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski attributed the decline to economic conditions rather than a shift in consumer preferences.
“Consumers today are grappling with uncertainty,” Kempczinski stated, expressing confidence in the company’s ability to navigate challenging market conditions.
By the Numbers
Caloric intake from fast food among American adults decreased from 14.1% to 11.7% between 2013-14 and 2021-23.
Adults aged 20-39 consumed 15.2% of calories from fast food, while those aged 40-59 consumed 11.9%, and individuals 60 and older consumed 7.6%.
Expert Analysis
Nutrition experts on Long Island hold differing views on the study’s implications. Alyssa Morando, a registered dietitian at St. Charles Hospital, suggests that healthy eating has become trendy among young adults, influenced by social media platforms like TikTok, where prebiotic soda brands such as Olipop and Poppi have amassed over 1.2 million followers.
“Kids, young adults, teens, they love trends. They go on social media, they see they have these healthier sodas,” Morando explained.
Morando advises promoting a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins while being mindful of portion sizes when consuming fast food.
Regional Implications
Cleopatra Tsanis-Tsirnikas, a dietitian at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream hospital, observed that while some individuals are moving away from fast food, they may not be choosing significantly healthier alternatives. She noted the availability of programs and food pantries that offer more nutritious options for food-insecure individuals.
“Food pantries are becoming a more welcoming place without stigma, where it’s set up more like a supermarket,” she said.
What Comes Next
The CDC’s findings highlight a potential shift in consumer behavior, but the long-term impact remains uncertain. As fast food chains adapt to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions, the debate over dietary habits and health continues to evolve.
Outside a Commack Whole Foods store, shoppers like Joann Lawrence and Kristin Shapiro expressed their preferences for healthier options, underscoring the ongoing discourse surrounding fast food consumption.
“I try not to [eat fast food], as much as possible,” said Joann Lawrence, 52, from Valley Stream. “I think it’s less healthy now. Cheap prices equals cheap food.”
As the conversation around fast food and health continues, experts and consumers alike will watch closely to see how these trends develop.