Expanding Waistline

It’s easy to find a fast food chain with many populating shopping centres, service stations and town centres. Fast food joints are continuing to multiply as Britain’s waistband expands along with it.

Labelled as the heaviest country in Europe, Britain’s embarrassing love of fast food is slowly causing long term health problems as Brits opt for convenience over the healthier option.

Recent statistics from GP Practices have shown that one in 20 adults now have diabetes caused from an unhealthy diet. While hospitals have seen a rise of 30% involving people being admitted for obesity related problems.

Mcdonalds, a fast food chain at the forefront of churning our cheap meals to the awaiting public, boasts a staff force of more than 70,000 people operating over 1,170 restaurants in the UK. A big tasty burger with bacon contains a whopping 55g of fat whilst a large banana milkshake contains a scary 545 calories. The average calorie intake of women for a day is 1,500 calories, which is equivalent to a large meal purchased from McDonalds.

The streets of Britain are now littered with fast food restaurants from leading chains to independent kebab houses.

Kebab owner Azlim Irashma of Pizza Direct  Canterbury said “ We are busiest after people have been on a night out, wanting some convenience food that isn’t too expensive. It’s mostly students who buy from us, with the majority of them choosing the cheaper deals. ”

Lack of exercise is also a main cause for concern. Under new government regulations an average of 30mins exercise should be undertaken every day. With a constant flow of excessive fast food and limited exercise has seen obesity levels soar with children developing type 2 diabetes which years ago would only be found in adults.

Student’s eating habits are often heavily criticised for being unhealthy and lacking in nutritional value. Skipping meals and gauging out on fast food is common for many. With cheap food and bargain priced alcohol readily available, students often choose the cheaper less healthier option in order to save money.

Student James Gold said “Of course I eat fast food it’s just so easy to access, and costs so little which saves me from cooking something that I probably won’t enjoy.”

Branded as a ‘healthy eating’ outlet subway has become the largest chain of fast food in the UK. Housing 1,500 stores in the UK and 33,749 across the globe, Subway has become a popular lunchtime treat for many. A foot long vegetarian patty with cheese and ranch sauce contains a shocking 900 calories, 25g of fat and 4.4g of salt. However, in recent months Subway have revamped their menu to healthier options including salads and low fat fillings in order to entice health conscious consumers.

As a nation, it’s clear to see Brits need to shape up in order to lead a healthy lifestyle. Reports show if people ate their five a day and consumed less salt and fat more than 30,000 deaths could be avoided.