Fast food has become so embedded in the daily menu that many can no longer imagine their life without cheeseburgers, fried potatoes, and other snacks. Researchers have been writing about the dangers of such food for a long time and constantly, but there are also useful elements in it. Both presented articles argue the harmfulness of fast food, but the scientific article provides evidence of the existence of healthy fast food, while the popular science article focuses on the harm of such food.
Both articles contain an explanation of the factors that make fast food harmful to health. Thus, the authors of both works agree that a large amount of sugar and fats in fast food products leads to the early development of heart and vascular diseases and obesity. People who often eat fried food are more likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol concentration. According to scientists, this is a provoking factor in the development of atherosclerosis and many other serious pathologies. Due to frying in a huge amount of oil, where the carcinogen acrylamide is formed, the consumer receives one of the most harmful products. If one eats it constantly, it will lead to weight gain and deterioration of health.
The authors of the two articles note that a person will begin to suffer from high cholesterol with regular consumption of fast food in large quantities in the near future. If a moderate amount of fat enters the body, then the body transports it in small volumes. Excessive consumption of smoked (bacon), fried (French fries), and other similar products increases cardiovascular disease risk. This is due to the fact that elevated cholesterol levels lead to increased pressure, numbness of the limbs, and ultimately heart attacks and strokes.
Although both articles examine the negative effects of fast food, Mohiuddin’s work provides a larger list of consequences and refers to numerous previous types of research to advocate for one’s point. For example, Mohiuddin, adding to the health risk factors mentioned above, claims that fast food consumption may lead to type 2 diabetes, cancer, reduced muscle strength and physical performance, reproduction issues, and dental cavities. In this regard, he notes that previous studies found a direct relationship between increased unhealthy food consumption and lung, stomach, colon, and rectal cancer (7). Additionally, the author shortly notes that fast food may positively impact the body, such as stimulating certain enzymes that are otherwise dormant (Mohiuddin, 8). Therefore, the scholar maintains the importance of limited fast food consumption. However, in this regard, his biggest concern is related to the fact that fast food producers do not declare the fat content of their products, which makes it more difficult for customers to regulate their diet.
On the other hand, the article Here’s How Fast Food Can Affect Your Body uses quite a simple language that can be easily accessible to everyone and discusses the problem ‘straight to the point’. Moreover, the paper uses a more engaging and relatable language– generally, the difference between scientific and popular literature. For instance, it says, “When 5 p.m. rolls around, and you haven’t given a single thought to what’s for dinner… the burger joint down the street might be calling your name” (“Here’s How Fast Food). In conclusion, the paper suggests that it is possible to rarely consume fast food, but it urges the readers to always consider burning the excess calories after the meal.
In summary, both articles discuss the negative effects that fast food has on the human body. However, if Mohiuddin’s work provides more evidence-based information and a longer list of consequences, the second article explains everything simply and engagingly. Yet, the authors of both pieces agree on the necessity to limit fast food consumption. As for reducing the negative impact of fast food consumption, Mohiuddin suggests that all sellers should be transparent about their products’ fat content. Conversely, the second article suggests that people should engage in physical activity after each fast food intake.
Works Cited
“Here’s How Fast Food Can Affect Your Body.” Cleveland Clinic, 2021, Web.
Mohiuddin, A. K. “Fast Food Addiction: A Major Public Health Concern.” Journal of Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, vol. 2, no. 2, 2019, pp. 1-12.