image: fineartamerica.com
The CDC, our government’s statistics lab, has published a report on fast food calories in America. The study covers the years 2007-2010. Here are some numbers that explain why McDonald’s stock has ballooned alongside our waistlines:
- During 2007–2010, adults consumed, on average, 11.3% of their total daily calories from fast food.
- The consumption of calories from fast food significantly decreased with age – 15% for adults aged 20-39, but only 6% in those over 60 years old.
- In the 20-39 age group, income is a good indicator of junk food consumption. Richer folks eat less junk food.
- Non-Hispanic black adults consumed a higher percentage of calories from fast food compared with non-Hispanic white and Hispanic adults.
- There is a direct correlation between weight and junk food calories. Obese people consumed 13% of calories from fast food. Normal weight people consumed less than 10%.
Please keep in mind, that this study only covers fast food. Junk food would probably double the number.
The silver lining – numbers are down from 13% in 2006. We still have our work cut out for us…
