How The American Diet “Shaped” The World
In the span of just 50 years, the global diet has undergone a seismic shift, reshaping human physique and well-being. Today, an alarming 2.6 billion individuals worldwide grapple with obesity, with a staggering 70 million of them located in the United States alone. A clear revelation emerges when we consider that nearly 40% of the entire global population now carries the burden of excess weight.
1974 serves as a benchmark when the global obesity rate stood at a modest 12.6%. A mere five decades later, we find ourselves with an unprecedented surge, witnessing a startling 27.4% increase in obesity rates. The question that looms large is clear:
What factors have shaped the American diet so much that it not only changed how Americans look but also made a lasting impact on worldwide nutrition?
Table of Contents
- Historical Context
- Rise of American Fast Food
- Expansion Abroad
- Health Consequences
- Socially and Economically…
Historical Context
In the era just before the surge in obesity rates in America, which can be traced back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, the nation had a markedly different relationship with food and lifestyle. The 1960s represented a period where the majority of Americans maintained relatively lean physiques, and the prevalence of obesity was significantly lower than what we witness today. In this period, roughly 11.6% of the population globally was obese.
During this time, dietary habits were influenced by a more traditional and home-cooked approach. Meals were often prepared from scratch, emphasizing whole foods and a variety of fresh ingredients. The fast-paced, convenience-driven culture that would later become synonymous with modern living had yet to fully take hold.
The 1960s also reflected a society with a different mindset towards physical activity. Active lifestyles were more prevalent, with people engaging in outdoor activities, walking, and participating in recreational sports.
The emphasis on physical exertion and a general culture of movement played a crucial role in maintaining healthier weights among the population. The shift towards a more sedentary lifestyle, coupled with changes in dietary patterns, began to emerge in the subsequent decades (late ‘70s). Factors such as the increasing availability and popularity of fast food, the rise of processed and convenience foods, and a shift towards more desk-bound and automated work contributed to the changing landscape of American health.
Understanding this transitional period, just before the onset of rising obesity rates, gives us a critical perspective on the environmental and cultural shifts that paved the way for a health crisis.
The Rise of American Fast Food
In 1940, the first McDonald’s opened up in San Bernardino, California.
In 1953, the second one opened in Downey, CA.
Starting in 1955, there were 7 McDonald’s stores. In 1957, 40 more were added. By 1958, 79; by 1959, 145; by 1960, 228; by 1970, 1500; and by 1980, 6200 (Peter Losin).
A similar thing can be noted with chains like Starbucks, Burger King, and Subway. The ascent of American fast food has been nothing short of a culinary revolution, fundamentally changing the way people across the globe approach their meals. This transformation is marked by three key elements:
- Innovative Approaches → Fast food giants such as McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King pioneered new approaches to food production, introducing standardized processes that could be replicated globally.
- Branding → The successful global branding strategies employed by American fast-food chains played a pivotal role in their widespread adoption. Recognizable logos, mascots, and slogans became synonymous with a new, fast-paced lifestyle, attracting consumers across diverse cultural landscapes.
- Affordability + Convenience → American fast food gained popularity not only for its taste but also for its affordability and convenience. Quick, inexpensive meals appealed to busy lifestyles, making fast food a go-to option for millions worldwide.
These three elements allowed for mass production and quick service, setting the stage for the rapid expansion of the fast-food industry.
Fast-Food Abroad
Fast food chains, with their adaptable nature, blended in almost seamlessly into diverse regions, because they catered to local tastes while maintaining core characteristics. This cultural adaptation not only ensured acceptance and popularity but also blurred the lines between international flavors and standardized offerings.
As American fast food franchises accelerated their global expansion, they brought with them economic influence. The establishment of these chains abroad created job opportunities, stimulated local economies, and even influenced agricultural practices to meet the demand for key ingredients. The economic impact rippled through communities, making a connection between the fast-food industry and various aspects of local life.
EX: The biggest market for KFC is China (7,166 stores), even though the first one only opened in 1991.
Health Consequences
However, this culinary invasion hasn’t been without consequences, particularly in the realm of public health. The convenience and affordability that made American fast food a global phenomenon also contributed to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related health issues worldwide. The repercussions of this dietary shift have sparked discussions for a more balanced and health-conscious approach to food choices.
The National Food Survey, conducted since 1950, shows our consumption of fruit has slowly risen since the 1950s, but that consumption of bread, cereals, potatoes and other vegetables has steadily fallen. We eat fewer visible fats today, but consume hidden quantities in processed foods, takeaways and restaurant meals. NICHS.
The correlation between the availability of fast food and its impact on public health is a topic that has been extensively studied. Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong link between the accessibility of fast food establishments and the rising rates of health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
A study in the United States revealed a clear association between the density of fast food outlets and the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in local communities (NCBI). Similarly, investigations in countries like Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom have drawn attention to the parallel increase in fast food availability and the surge in health problems among their populations.
For example, adult overweight and obesity have become much more common in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), from 28.4% in 2000 to 41.7% in 2016, or an estimated 429 million people (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)).
Our healthcare systems want to help, but the surge in fast food consumption has placed an unprecedented strain on medical resources. Studies have explored the economic impact of treating health issues related to fast food, revealing substantial costs incurred by healthcare systems globally.
The Economic and Social Implications
The global impact of fast food goes beyond individual health, affecting societal aspects. I want to highlight two main ones:
- Fast food accessibility contributes to social inequality, with communities facing higher health issues if they have easier access. The affordability and convenience of fast food may inadvertently amplify existing social inequalities, as individuals in lower-income brackets are more likely to rely on these options due to financial constraints.
- Local food economies also experience significant impacts as fast food establishments dominate the market. The influx of global fast food chains can lead to a decline in demand for traditional, locally sourced ingredients, affecting farmers and local producers. This shift in consumer preferences may contribute to the erosion of local food cultures and culinary traditions, and thus acts as a threat to the sustainability of small-scale agriculture and regional food systems.
Key Takeaways 🔑
- Lifestyle Shift → During the ’60s people were active and in the ’70s, they were sedentary; obesity surged.
- Fast Food Rise → Innovations, branding, convenience resulted in a global transformation.
- Global Impact → Due to fast food and local adaptation, health issues rise.
- Health Consequences → Fast food availability results in a global health crisis.
- Economic & Social Ramifications → Fast food, inequality, and cultural impact are strongly tied to global challenges.
As we continue to navigate the consequences of fast food on health, society, and culture, a crucial question lingers: Can we find a delicate equilibrium that preserves the diversity of global cuisines, promotes health, and encourages a sustainable future, or are we destined for a world where culinary homogenization overshadows the unique flavors that once defined our diverse food landscapes?
