What’s your favorite fast food? Is it Dunkin Donuts or McDonalds? Perhaps it’s Wendy’s or Burger King? The truth is that there are way too many options when it comes to fast food. According to Christopher Ingraham of The Washington Post, as of June 2014, there were about 14,000 McDonald’s in the United States. That’s crazy! Next time you’re out and about, count how many fast food places you pass. The results will amaze you.

Of course, we can’t talk about fast food without mentioning the downsides of it. We’ve all heard that fast food can be extremely unhealthy. Well, if it’s unhealthy, why don’t we stop eating it? Here’s what some Whitman students said when asked about their favorite fast food places and why they keep going back.

“McDonald’s is my favorite because it’s close to my house, and it’s super fast and easy,” says freshman Benjamin Barton. Freshman Andrew Borges, however, prefers Wendy’s “because it’s cheap.” 

The common thread in these answers is that fast food is extremely convenient. Just take look at Whitman. We have numerous fast food restaurants like Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s, and recently, right on Jericho Turnpike, Dairy Queen. We even have a gate that leads directly to some of these establishments. Whitman essentially supports these fast-food chains. Many students probably got some food before the big Boys Varsity Soccer semifinal playoff game and other similar high-turnout events.

All the food that we eat at fast food places is obviously not free. When we purchase this food, we pay big time. It may not seem big since the food is cheap, but it quickly adds up. According to Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal By Eric Schlosser, Americans spend more money on fast food than on cars, computers, and even higher education. In 2010, Americans spent $110+ billion on fast food. 

Fast food also has a long-lasting effect on our health.

“Fast food is usually unhealthy because of the chemicals mixed in it,” freshman Justin Thorne said.

The food on the menu at McDonalds and other establishments has many calories, not being of the best quality. Fast food is extremely processed to achieve that delicious, fried flavor. And it’s certainly mixed with some other artificial items. According to  CBS News, the rate of obesity in American youth has doubled since the late 1970s. 

About 25% of the United States’ population eats fast food every single day. It seems like fast food restaurants are becoming people’s second home.