People around the globe turn to fast food because of its ease, speed, and convenience. Fast food restaurants have become extremely popular and have multiplied in number over the years. Busy individuals and low-income populations in particular make the trip through the drive-through on a regular basis simply for the reason that they do not have the time or money to eat elsewhere or cook for themselves. However, these seemingly harmless habits have become a tremendous contributing factor for obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions around the world, and in particular, the United States. Obesity has literally become an epidemic, affecting even young children and threatening the health care system; 60% of Americans are either overweight or obese.

Fast food items such as burgers and fries are energy-dense instead of nutrient-dense, as can be seen by the high number of calories versus nutrients. Although they no longer contain trans fats, they contain high amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol, and are highly processed. A possible policy that the FDA could approve, rather than change the entire system (which has proven to be extremely challenging), is one in which the government could cover the difference in price for healthy food options versus fast food options. A person presented with healthy food and fast food at the same time, but at the same price, is more likely to choose the healthy option. A cost-benefit analysis needs to be made so that the government can improve fast food standards. The FDA would have to work with fast food chains to create healthier foods that can be sold side by side with fast foods but cost the same amount of money. The chains will only accept this idea if it will not cost them financially. This could be achieved through other means as well; the government could only cover the parts of the menu items that are considered “healthy,” or that fall within certain parameters that the FDA has determined to be considered healthy of nutritional value.

Another option is to make the default “side order” that comes with every meal something other than greasy, processed French fries, which is the most common side order that comes with fast food meals. It is psychologically proven that consumers will automatically buy the side order that comes with the meal because they do not want to go to the process of changing it. If this side was something other than an unhealthy food option, an improvement could be made, if only slight. An alternative option to fries could be broccoli with cheese, a cup of soup, steamed and seasoned vegetables, fruit, etc. The concept is essentially to inadvertently encourage people to eat healthier foods through a more subtle method. Through these improvements we could see a significant change in the way people eat fast food, and hopefully reap the benefits by reducing the amount of obese individuals through healthy eating.