by Brad Vandenheuvel

Created on: June 10, 2009   Last Updated: December 15, 2009

Fast food chains generate millions of dollars in revenue each and every year. Despite what many people believe the current obsession with unhealthy, processed food is quickly becoming a global phenomenon.  In nations all over the planet people are crowding into local fast food restaurants and spending hard-earned money on overpriced fatty foods. This recent public obsession surrounding fast food can be summarized in one word, addiction.

Those who refuse to believe the fact that fast food may be addicting need to look at the data and think again. Almost all items on fast food menus are deep fried or packed with sugar, and many even contain chemicals or preservatives that further their addictive capabilities.

Physical/Chemical Addiction

 Fat and Sugar- Many scientists currently believe that people are developing a mental dependence on the sugars and fats that are abundant in the foods on fast food menus. It is a  scientific fact that humans crave fat and sugar, and in an unrestricted setting will consume as much of these nutrients as possible. This comes from a trait inherited by mankind's ancestors; a trait that gave these ancient humans the intelligence to "stock up" on food during times of feast in order to make it through the times of famine. The reason that fatty and sugary foods were of utmost desire by these ancient beings is because these nutrients are more readily stored in the body for later use. Excess storage of fats becomes visibile in human beings causing an expanded waistline or fat in unwanted areas. This is the case with obesity, which is usually do to an over consumption and storage of these nutrients in the form of fatty tissue.

Chemicals and Preservatives

 If the fat and sugar is not enough to lure in unsuspecting fast food addicts, the chemicals in these foods should do the trick. Many of the products served over the counter at these establishments have been sprayed with preservatives that help maintain freshness, or other chemicals that improve taste or texture. A fair number of these preservatives are known to be addicting to humans, which may explain why so many people find themselves "hooked" on restaurants like McDonalds or KFC. The other chemicals that are poured into these foods are no better, as they deliver a taste or texture that is attractive to humans and keeps them coming back for more.

Hormones

 The amount of hormones that can be found in fast food has recently become subject to a great deal of public attention and debate. Many chains add hormones to the feed that they give to their livestock, which in turn ends up on a burger or in a wrap. These hormones are mainly used to increase the size or productivity of the animals being used, and some are both addicting and harmful to humans.

Psychological Addictives

 There are many other factors that make fast food appealing to the vast number of consumers throughout the world. The relatively low cost, and speedy delivery makes these restaurants hard to pass up. These foods effectively satisfy our hunger (although only for a short period of time), and satiate our appetite. Their appealing smell, taste, and appearance draws people in by the millions, and keeps them coming back for more.

Conclusion

 With all of  the addictive characteristics mentioned above, there is no doubt that practically all fast food is addictive on a number of different levels. If the chemical addiction does not take hold, the psychological addiction should kick in before too long. With so many people addicted to these harmful dietary products, it's no wonder that these companies make millions every year.

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