Is Fast Food Worth it to Eat

Annotated Bibliography

Bowman, Shanthy A., Steven L. Gortmaker, Cara B. Ebbeling, Mark A. Pereira, and David S. Ludwig. “Effects of fast-food consumption on energy intake and diet quality among children in a national household survey.” Pediatrics 113.1 (Jan 2004): 112(7). General OneFile. Gale. 6 Oct. 2008 <http://find.galegroup.com/ips/start.do?prodId=IPS>.

            The results of this survey and study, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, document the connection between fast food consumption and risk factors for childhood and adolescent obesity.  Fruits, vegetables, fiber, and milk, which are associated with positive health factors are consumed less when fast food is chosen.  Increased fat, calories, sugars, and carbohydrates, which are associated with increased obesity risk, are consumed in large quantity with fast food choices.  This study is important because it also analyzes the demographics of the subjects and draws conclusions as to who is more likely to be at fast food related obesity risk.  In determining the worth of fast food, this study documents the actual nutritional intake across varying age groups and other demographic profiles.  This information can be compared to documented information, such as food pyramid guidelines to further prove the adverse nutritional affects of fast food consumption.  This study also reveals at-risk populations by demographic information.  The results can be used, in combination with other research, to answer the questions is fast food worth it to eat, and if not, why not.

Freedhoff, Yoni, and Rob Stevenson. “Frying up hospital cafeteria food/La friture dans les cafeterias d’hopital.(Editorial).” CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association Journal 179.3 (July 29, 2008):

class=WordSection2>213(2). General OneFile. Gale. 6 Oct. 2008 <http://find.galegroup.com/ips/start.do?prodId=IPS>.

            This opinion article is co-written by the director of the Bariatric Medical Institute, and a cardiologist.  They focus on how Canadian hospital cafeterias have switched to what could be considered a fast food restaurant model.  This is a professional clarion call to hospitals that provide generic (and in some cases brand name) versions of fast food options as a means of profit.  This article further underscores opinions and perceptions about the location or venue in which foods are presented.  The authors state that hospitals are responsible for leading the fight against obesity by reflecting “evidence-based nutrition” in their on sight cafeterias.  This article provides further insight on how and why individuals base assumptions of good nutrition on location.

“Impact of calorie information on purchasing behavior in New York City fast-food chains.(Community Nutrition).” Nutrition Research Newsletter 27.8 (August 2008): 8(2). General OneFile. Gale. 6 Oct. 2008 <http://find.galegroup.com/ips/start.do?prodId=IPS>.

            This overview describes the results and findings of a survey by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  This article describes how information, or lack of, affects nutrition perceptions and therefore food choices in fast food chains.  This information is important in light of the obesity epidemic because calorie count, which the study concludes is highly underestimated and therefore highly consumed in fast foods, is a first step in fighting obesity.  The results demonstrate that posting nutritional information has a positive impact on calorie reduction.  This information is important in study the worth of fast food because it shows that restaurants can have a positive impact on consumer ideas and perception, by providing basic information, without adversely affecting consumer perception of the restaurant itself.

Ness, Carol. “Fast-food nutrition baffles consumers; Poll finds few able to pick smart choices — Senate bill would make chains post details.(NEWS).” San Francisco Chronicle (April 18, 2007): A2. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale.6 Oct. 2008 <http://find.galegroup.com/ips/start.do?prodId=IPS>.

            This article summarizes the results of a survey conducted by the Field Research Corporation and discusses the impact.  Californians were surveyed about ability to make good nutritional choices from restaurant menus.  The fact that most participants failed underscores the adverse affects that fast foods can have on health risks such as obesity.  This article was written in light of pending legislation requiring restaurants to post nutritional information on menu boards.  This article is important in studying the worth of fast food because it brings to light the seriousness of fast food marketing and consumer perceptions.  In studying the impact of fast food nutrition, this article adds legislation to the chain of personal choice and professional responsibility in influencing perceptions about the worth and value of fast food.

Sahud, Hannah B., Helen J. Binns, William L. Meadow, and Robert R. Tanz. “Marketing fast food: impact of fast food restaurants in children’s hospitals.” Pediatrics 118.6 (Dec 2006): 2290(8). General OneFile. Gale. 6 Oct. 2008 ;http://find.galegroup.com/ips/start.do?prodId=IPS;.

            This study, completed with a research grant from the Children’s Memorial Research Center and the findings were presented at an annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Society, focuses on pediatric hospitals and McDonalds.  The authors found that the presence of a McDonald’s restaurant at pediatric residency hospitals increased

the likelihood of parents purchasing fast food for children.  They also found two important associations; belief that McDonalds is a supporter or benefactor of a particular hospital, and belief that McDonalds food is generally healthy.  These findings were consistent across varying demographics and across varying survey models.  This study underscores the power that fast food marketing , and particularly location,  has over the food decisions and eating habits.  The findings are important because they demonstrate that location alone was able to override other popular literature which speaks to the contribution of fast food to the childhood obesity epidemic.  In examining the worth of eating fast food, this study enlightens the reader to what, other than pure nutrition factors,  influences perceptions of worth.

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