Why people eat at fast-food restaurants despite it being unhealthy

Washington, Dec 2 : Despite being considered unhealthy, fast foods continue to be a popular meal choice for most people - because its 'fast'.

In a new study, researchers at the University of Minnesota have delved into this question and have concluded that the main reason most people eat at fast-food restaurants is because it's quick to eat.

The six-month study was conducted on 605 people who said they eat at fast-food places at least once per week.

The results revealed 92 percent participants citing quickness as the top reason they eat fast food. Eighty percent said it was because the restaurants were easily found and 69 percent said it was because the food tastes good.

Almost one in five participants in the study (21 percent) said they eat at fast-food restaurants because they offer nutritious food options.

"Foods available in restaurants and other away-from-home eating locations tend to be higher in calories and fat compared to foods from home. Thus, public health strategies to either reduce consumption of fast food or improve food choices at fast-food restaurants would likely be helpful," wrote the researchers.

The study is published in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

ANI