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Fast-food chains have been trying for years to appeal to health-conscious customers by mixing lighter dishes like salads and yogurt with the usual hamburgers, fried chicken and shakes.
But as the menus swelled up with grilled chicken (McDonald's) and "fresco" burritos (Taco Bell), many options were growing and the number of calories and sodium that would have increased. they contained increased, according to a new study by researchers from Boston University and Tufts.
The researchers studied 1,787 entrees, entrees and desserts in 10 channels – Arby's, Burger King, Carl's Jr., Dairy Queen, Hardee, Jack in the Box, KFC, Long John Silver, McDonald's & # 39; s; 39; s and Wendy & # 39; s – from 1986 to 2016. At that time, the number of items in these three categories increased by 226%.
According to the study – published last week in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Even with lighter items, fast food menus are less healthy than 30 years ago.
Fat and salt content and the size of fast food meals have long been a problem. public health problem. They are often criticized for increasing the rate of adult obesity in the United States from 13% in the early 1960s to 40% in 2016.
The new study suggests that the problem is worsening.
The researchers found that of the 10 chains, the average intake weighed 39 grams more in 2016 than in 1986 and contained 90 more calories. In addition, 41.6% of the recommended daily sodium intake was 27.8%.
Customers could be forgiven for not knowing. Local governments have introduced menu labeling initiatives that require fast food establishments to list the number of calories for the products they sell, but there have been strong opposition to these measures, including from the Food and Drug Administration.
"Restaurants have not really done enough," said Megan A. McCrory, Senior Researcher. "The general situation is that there have been positive changes, but they are small and, overall, the changes have worsened."
desserts
More than a little something sweet
In 2016, researchers found that the average quick dessert weighed 72 grams more and contained 186 calories more than the average dessert 30 years earlier.
One of the possible reasons is that restaurants are relying on larger sundaes and cookies to increase spending on each order and attract more customers, said Darren Seifer, a food and feed industry analyst. drinks at NPD.
"The majority of fast food traffic is around noon, when people do not usually eat dessert," he said. "But offering larger portions is one way restaurants can promise more value."
Last month, McDonald's launched "donuts" sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Six sticks have 280 calories. But you can also order a portion twice smaller for less than two simple orders..
sides
Skip the pepper, but maybe keep the salt
The researchers found that there were 42 more calories on average in products like french fries, soups and The 2016 fries are higher than the 1986 fries. The sodium content went from 11.6% to 23.2% of the recommended daily ration, although the portion sizes did not increase much.
The study found that these foods are consumed together in one meal and represent on average nearly 40% of the 2,000 calories consumed per day. diet.
The study mentions several proposals to help consumers reduce their consumption of fast food, including a system allowing them to order smaller portions at lower prices.
It is not clear if the industry will accept such ideas. Meanwhile, the menus continue to grow, sometimes blurring the border between entry and side. Jack in the Box tests Burger Dippers, which the company describes as "the burger you eat like a fries".
As for those who preceded them, some of the new offers seem to be for people who want to eat healthy foods. Carl's Jr. has recently added an herbal burger, the Beyond Famous Star, to its lineup.
Ordered with cheese, it contains over 700 calories.
Source: Megan A. McCrory, Allen G. Harbaugh, Sarah Appeadu, Boston University; Susan B. Roberts, Tufts University.
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