Fast Food and the Economy
by Monica Burian
Fast food chains have become extremely popular over the years, and today you can find one pretty much everywhere you go. The demand for a convenient, filling meal has increased greatly. The meals are very cheap, and there are so many different kinds of restaurants to satisfy every consumer taste. Fast food restaurants bring in a lot of revenue, usually about $165 each year.
Although the fast food chains have been doing quite well economically, there are some new challenges that are arising. In recent years, obesity rates have increased drastically, and people are becoming more and more concerned about their health. Obviously, this does not help the fast food industry at all, since most of their foods are very processed and unhealthy. Since more people want to trade off convenience and low cost for better health, fast food chains are losing profit. In order to continue gaining profit, they need to satisfy their consumers’ desires, and the best way to do this is to simply make their foods healthier.
Unfortunately, serving healthier foods is not as easy as it sounds. Healthier ingredients are obviously more expensive than processed chemicals. If fast food restaurants made the switch to better ingredients, they would most likely have to make their food more expensive, therefore bringing in less customers, since one of the most paramount factors of a fast food restaurant is the extremely cheap price. However, if fast food restaurants started to make the transition to using healthier ingredients, more people would want to purchase their goods, since they are satisfying the customers’ needs and changing consumer tastes. Buyers would most likely be willing to pay more for the healthier products, so the fast food chains could charge more for their goods, increasing their quantity of supply.
If fast food restaurants made their products healthier, obese consumers would end up saving money in the long run, even though the food would be more expensive. Believe it or not, being overweight can actually be pretty expensive. People have to pay more for things like health and medical bills, and they are much more susceptible to diseases like diabetes and malfunctions in the body like a heart attack or stroke. In fact, according to this PDF, “Among the overweight, lifetime medical costs can be reduced by $2,200 to $5,300 following a 10-percent reduction in body weight.” Obviously, if fast food chains made their foods healthier, they would contribute to the loss of body weight.
Instead of devouring a greasy, processed cheeseburger, you should go for a substitute like a healthy salad or sandwich. If the demand goes down for unhealthy foods, the fast food restaurants will not supply as much of the products. Likewise, if the demand for healthier options increases, they will supply more. This will lead to healthier fast food restaurants. This will benefit both the suppliers and the consumers; the suppliers will get more business and therefore earn more money, and the consumers will be eating healthier, getting the products that they want, and save money on medical costs in the future. Making fast food healthy would help everyone.
Works Cited
Bergold, Roy T., Jr. "When Fast Food Regulations Go Too Far." QSR. JOURNALISTIC INC., Aug. 2011. Web. 09 Mar. 2015. <http://www.qsrmagazine.com/roy-bergold/when-fast-food-regulations-go-too-far>.
Bhattacharya, Jay. "The Economics of Obesity and Bariatric Surgery." Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care 4.2 (2010): 73-81. May 2010. Web. Mar. 2015. <http://aic.ucdavis.edu/obesity/obesitypdf/BHATTACHARYA.pdf>.
Burks, Frances. "Types of Economic Factors That Can Affect the Fast Food Industry." Small Business. Hearst Newspapers, n.d. Web. Mar. 2015. <http://smallbusiness.chron.com/types-economic-factors-can-affect-fast-food-industry-36923.html>.
"Eating Out Makes You Fat and Unhealthy." 'Mindful Eats' N.p., 09 Mar. 2009. Web. 09 Mar. 2015. <http://www.mindfuleats.com/mindfuleats/2009/03/eating-out-makes-you-fat-and-unhealthy.html>.
"Fast Food Industry Analysis 2015 - Cost & Trends." FranchiseHelp. FranchiseHelp Holdings, n.d. Web. Mar. 2015. <https://www.franchisehelp.com/industry-reports/fast-food-industry-report/>.
Roth, J.D. "The High Cost of Being Fat." Get Rich Slowly. GetRichSlowly.org, n.d. Web. Mar. 2015. <http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/18/the-high-cost-of-being-fat/>.
It was really interesting to read how not only fast food chains are being effected by the change in demand for healthier food, but to also read a little bit about how our physical characteristics change the way we spend our money. I was shocked to hear that only $165 of revenue is brought in each year. I would have thought it would be more. Besides for that the essay was very well written and I liked how you were so forthright with your opinions on the topic.
ReplyDeleteThe fast food industry is definitely one of the most popular ones around in today’s society. They make so much money, and they contribute to the obesity epidemic and people being unhealthy in terms of their weight. In order to improve the health of Americans, we should change the types of food they serve, making it healthier. Your point was very strong on this, and I totally agree. The evidence utilized was very effective, especially the PDF about how losing weight can prevent certain diseases and lower health costs in the future. Fast food restaurants should change their food to healthier options in order to reflect the desire for this from consumers.
ReplyDeleteThe fast food industry is definitely one of the most popular ones around in today’s society. They make so much money, and they contribute to the obesity epidemic and people being unhealthy in terms of their weight. In order to improve the health of Americans, we should change the types of food they serve, making it healthier. Your point was very strong on this, and I totally agree. The evidence utilized was very effective, especially the PDF about how losing weight can prevent certain diseases and lower health costs in the future. Fast food restaurants should change their food to healthier options in order to reflect the desire for this from consumers.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that fast food is a growing problem in our society. The growth of fast food can definitely increase the rate of obesity and can deter people from healthier choices. However, I do not think that many fast food companies will change their habits. Fast food companies thrive off of those who enjoy fattening foods, so their most effective choice would be to stay as they are. Changing the fast food market would definitely benefit society, but that I do not think it will ever change if the companies keep reeling in their hungry customers.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful look at the world of fast food, but I found some of your evidence lacking. I didn't read enough explaining the fast food side of this; if they use fresh foods rather than processed goods, what would happen to the food over time. They'd need to store it for a while, so how is it going to last from the time they get it to the time the last of that batch is stored. They would be throwing more preservatives into the healthy foods just to make it last. Would that really be healthy now? Despite that un-clarified point, you have a very good argument and piece here. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI like how you talked about a problem that is very prominent in our world today. I agree that fast food restaurants should focus on producing healthier food for their consumers. However, some people don't care about the unhealthy choices they are making and will simply go to a cheaper fast food place. Unfortunately, unhealthy food is cheaper and that is what people are going to buy.
ReplyDeleteMonica, I really enjoyed reading your blog post and learned a lot. I knew that obesity rates were rising, but with the help of your chart, I was able to see that they rose about 20% for adults since 1960 and it was shocking to me. Also, from your graph I could see that the amount of fast food restaurants being built are slowly leveling off. I agree that this is because people want healthier foods and go other places instead of the fast food restaurants to get it. However, I believe that if fast food restaurants start losing business, they will change their menus to healthier foods to draw the consumers back in. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteI swear McDonald's puts something addictive in their food...I can't stop eating it. They've also been raising the prices on most of their products. It's over $4 for a Big Mac now with tax. If alternative ingredients were used to make fast food, prices would definitely go up. Is it a realistic goal to make fast food healthier? Restaurants probably don't care as long as they get their money.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the topic you chose to write about because I was just reading an article the other day on McDonald's and how they may start to add kale to their menu. Fast food chains are realizing that they aren't selling as much as they used to and are noticing that they have to do something about it in order to compete. McDonald's has added healthy options to their menu in order to hopefully attract more consumers looking for healthier options! They have offered lower fat milk and limited the use of chicken on antibiotics. They are now thinking of putting kale on the menu for all of those health nuts. This should hopefully increase the demand for McDonald's products and fast food places should follow in its footsteps. It will be interesting to see!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy this topic because it's something that I really enjoy, fast food. I think it's crazy how much the obesity rates have grown though, the 20% growth since the 60s it's pretty mind blowing. If only fast food places could make their food healthy with the same great taste. people are starting to realize that obesity is a growing thing and moving on to the healthy food.
ReplyDeleteI liked the comparison between if fast food places raise their prices, there's the possibility of losing customers and therefore money but with the increase in healthy foods people would be willing to pay the higher prices, making the restaurant more money in the long run. With the huge footprint that greasy fast food restaurant places has left in America, it's probably going to be difficult to get people to change their ways, but for the public interest it's most likely the best idea. As someone who works at a type of fast food restaurant, I've heard time and time again that the prices are too high and yet they continue to buy the product. When and if change does happen, it's probably going to have a huge percentage of people who are unwilling to leave their cheap and unhealthy foods behind.
ReplyDeleteWow it’s a huge surprise to me that you can lower your medical bill by a few thousand dollars by just eating better. I think that a lot of people don’t know just how much money you can save. If maybe they knew then that could possible quell the epidemic slightly. Then it would trickle down to the fast food restaurants and force them to make healthier foods. However, people are lazy and unmotivated to give up their precious cheeseburgers and 40 oz sodas. If we can overcome ourselves then maybe we could become better human beings.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your article especially because fast food is popular in today's society. It's a easy way for people to get a quick meal that's cheap and satisfying to their taste buds. I thought your graphs contributed well to your article, specifically the one a about rising obesity. I knew obesity was rising, but 20% seems drastic in only a few decades as Taylor mentioned. I agree with that fast food chains should start serving foods with healthier ingredients because it satisfies customers tastes. Furthermore fast food places may gain more revenue by expanding their menu and adding healthier options for the individuals who have stricter diets.
ReplyDeleteIn today's economy, fast food restaurants are becoming a larger and larger part. It's almost impossible to drive around and not see a fast food chain. I think it's ridiculous for customers to blame these restaurants for their decisions. Most of the time, people usually try to know what they're putting into their bodies beforehand. Fast food restaurants aren't liable for any customer's ignorance and obesity in my opinion. Just like anything else in this world, too much of it will have consequences.
ReplyDeleteI think this topic is really interesting because I would bet money that 95% or more of the teenagers in our school eat some sort of fast food at least one time a week. That being said, something needs to be done to make food healthier so we can try to stop obesity and lower the percentage of people every year. It's hard to say no to unhealthy food when it's so cheap and you crave the greasy taste. It's also hard for poor families to buy healthy food because it's so expensive which is why they end up buying junk food in order to get more for their money. That's why adults and children who live in the lower class are actually quite obese--because they can't afford the healthier food. Overall great job on this article
ReplyDeleteWhile in perfect world both suppliers and consumers would want to enjoy/produce a healthy option when it comes to meals, the fact of the matter is that we do not live a said perfect world. There are folks in society who thrive off of the greasiest options and enjoy wallowing in the mudpit of fats and oils all while gleefully dumping their pockets into the hands of the supplying companies. Even if the company did change, the effects would surprisingly negative for that the once loved product has changed "for the better" leaving the company loosing money for that consumers aren't happy and the price to make said updated product has increased. In the end the addicts enjoy the product and the suppliers keep the addicts addicted.
ReplyDeleteThis topic has been an ongoing issue for years, which makes what you are addressing here very important in today's society. Unfortunately, the high cost of fruits, vegetables, and other body beneficial foods are causing those with less money to compensate with fattier, processed items. It is unfortunate that in today's economic system how those who wish to fill their stomachs with healthier food simply can't due to lack of money. This is why I love how many fast food restaurants are adding more salads, fruits, and fresh sandwiches to their menus. McDonald's, Wendy's, and many other chain restaurants have been adding more and more reasonably prices foods to their menus, which will hopefully improve America's overall health in the next few years
ReplyDeleteThis topic has been an ongoing issue for years, which makes what you are addressing here very important in today's society. Unfortunately, the high cost of fruits, vegetables, and other body beneficial foods are causing those with less money to compensate with fattier, processed items. It is unfortunate that in today's economic system how those who wish to fill their stomachs with healthier food simply can't due to lack of money. This is why I love how many fast food restaurants are adding more salads, fruits, and fresh sandwiches to their menus. McDonald's, Wendy's, and many other chain restaurants have been adding more and more reasonably prices foods to their menus, which will hopefully improve America's overall health in the next few years
ReplyDeleteYou chose a very debatable topic and you raise a good argument. I think you might also want to consider: Are the consumers of fast food the same people who are concerned about their health? Although there has been a healthy food craze lately, I'm not sure if those people are the same people who are the main consumers of fast food. Beyond that, I think, despite the health craze, fast food will continue to be in demand because of it's cheapness and speed for fast-pace Americans that don't have time to cook for themselves.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think it is really an increasing concern that the U.S. and even the world needs to face. The rise of obesity is getting out of hand which is something of high importance. It is also shocking to hear the there is a rise of healthier alternative options. I guess the supply of healthy food will need to go up.
ReplyDeleteThe food industry should make it's food a lot healtthier. It totally would benfir everyone, but fast food is fast food for a reason. Fast food can't all be healthy. We all nees a little junk once in a while. Although you make some good points, the fast food industry should stay the way it is.
ReplyDeleteObesity has been a growing problem in the U.S. since I can remember, but in the last few years, theres more people acting on it. Although theres a fast food place on every corner, states are starting to make laws banning certain foods and drinks, such as in New York where they banned sodas over 16 oz to be sold in restaurants or street cars. Little steps like this are what will start to set a trend and change. If McDonald's were to make their food with healthier ingredients and raised prices a bit, it would do better for both them and the consumer.
ReplyDeleteFast food today is extremely popular; there's got to be at least 1 McDonalds in almost every city in the Unites States. I enjoy fast food because it tastes good and it's cheap, and consumers like me are what make these chains popular. If they made fast food healthier I would probably buy less of it and eat a different alternative. This would also help people who aren't ready to give up fast food because they would basically be forced to eat healthier. I think that it would definitely be a good idea make fast food healthier as it could benefit everyone.
ReplyDeleteI agree, fast food has been growing far too fast lately. Yeah, it's nice to have a good place right near to your house, but it isn't always great to not have healthier choices. America's obesity is fueled by the fact that we walk almost nowhere and drive everywhere, and the fact that most Americans find fast-food dining a crucial part to their life. It's common today to find overweight people enjoying their weight, and that's fine that they're confident. Unfortunately, no matter how confident they are, being overweight or obese is unhealthy and will likely cause health problems later in life.
ReplyDeleteThe reason fast food restaurants are so appealing is due to there price. I can get a full meal at McDonald's for $5 I know it is unhealthy, but it is cheap. Also another thing that is so appealing to me is the hours they are open I work at a restaurant and don't get off tell really late I usually am really tired and don't want to cook my own meal so sometimes I end up getting fast food. This is unhealthy, but very convenient. You can eat fast food if you excessive a lot and balance the rest of your diet. While I agree with you this is the hard truth fast food isn't going anywhere soon.
ReplyDeleteYou picked a very prominent topic in our society today. While the government promoting healthier eating habits by changing school lunch regulations, the price of unhealthy food is cheap. Like you said, unhealthy food is more convenient and less expensive than healthier food. To change this, I think companies should raise the price of complimentary goods that go along with the fast food, like sodas and condiments, to lower the demand for fast food. If the price of healthier goods decreased a little, as well, this would also lower the demand for fast food, and obesity might not be such a big issue.
ReplyDeleteFast food has become a big problem in the United States because it’s cheap and convenient. Consumers know that it isn’t good for them and they could make a healthier trade off but they like to stick to what they know. Fast food incorporations could help to lower obesity rates by serving healthier foods but they can’t justify possibly losing money, not even to insure the health of the customers. I also found it interesting how you explored that if Consumers started buying healthier foods that may be more expensive they could actually save money in the long run by lower medical costs.
ReplyDeleteI heard McDonald's actually had a bad year in 2014 and is still losing customers. Hopefully people are deciding to make healthier choices. Given that it is cheap, fast, and easy I can't blame some people for being a little over weigh. But even kids are becoming overweight and at this point I think we need to make a change. It's really up to the fast food chains to add healthier items. Or the consumers could just boycott the fast food chains.
ReplyDeleteI agree that fast food has been growing too fast in all country for example McDonald's is all most every city in the United States. People enjoy eating fast food because It's cheap and it taste good.people know that fast food are unhealthy because-today people take care more about money more than their health and people get overweight. We all need junk food but it has to be in limit. I think fast food has to make healthy food.
ReplyDeleteWhile it would be incredible if fast food restaurants made the transition towards selling healthier foods at incredibly low prices, the truth of the matter is that the majority will probably never make such a transition due to the price and potential risks which may occur as a result. These fast food restaurants don’t truly care for their consumers health, like the vast majority of other suppliers. What truly matters to these suppliers is whether their food is legal to sell, and if consumers are still purchasing their products. Sadly the only possible way for such a major transition to occur, is if the vast majority of these fast food restaurants customers stopped consuming and paying for their products and given how quickly obesity rates are growing the probability of the majority doing this is unlikely. I completely agree that fast food restaurants should sell healthier foods, but the probability of such a change at the moment is unlikely.
ReplyDeleteI agree that fast food restaurants may be trying to make their food healthier, but even if they do people will most likely not believe that it is. However even if they don’t think the new food is healthy, people who are health conscious would rather buy a “healthy” option over an explicitly unhealthy option. I know that ever since McDonalds began offering gogurt as an ulterior option to fries, a sizeable number of kids choose the gogurt because they want to. In turn as these kids grow older they’ll probably make healthier choices than adults without experience making healthy choices, which will help boost the healthy-food market.
ReplyDeleteI think this was a great topic to pick because obesity is a growing problem in the US and also as high school students we like buying cheap food, even if it is unhealthy. I haven’t really heard anything about fast food restaurants becoming healthier, but I think it would be a good idea. Adding healthier foods to the menu may be more expensive, but I think people would be willing to pay a higher price for better healthier food.
ReplyDeleteI think this was a great topic to pick because obesity is a growing problem in the US and also as high school students we like buying cheap food, even if it is unhealthy. I haven’t really heard anything about fast food restaurants becoming healthier, but I think it would be a good idea. Adding healthier foods to the menu may be more expensive, but I think people would be willing to pay a higher price for better healthier food.
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