Scary Fast Food Statistics & Facts

Thanks to Gina (my wife) for sending me this link, you can go to the original site here. While these may not be verified facts, we can safely assume that they aren't too far from the truth. I love the picture. -Mike

Scary Fast Food Statistics & Facts (maybe)

"Interesting Fast food statistics - you decide whether fast food causes obesity..."

• The average distance from a fast food restaurant in the US to a school is half a mile. The density of fast-food restaurants within 1 mile of a school is three to four times the average distribution throughout a city.
• Over the last 35 years sales in the US fast-food industry has grown by almost 1000%. In 1975 sales equalled $16.1 billion and in 2009 sales were about $160 billion.
• The National Restaurant Association reports that there are around 280,000 fast-food restaurants in the States of which around 200,000 are strictly fast-food and 80,000 casual-dining.
• The US Fast-food industry serves more than 50 million Americans every day and generates $65 billion annually.
• Half of the average American's yearly food budget is spent at fast-food chains.
• On any given day around one third of American children eat fast food.
• In the past 5 decades some fast food portion sizes have increased by 600%.
  In the 50s a typical fast food hamburger weighed one ounce while today it weighs six ounces. The average fast food restaurant meal nowadays contains a staggering 1,500 calories!
• A double gulp soda (7-11) has 64 ounces (half a gallon!) and the sugar content of 48 teaspoons.
• The Federal Trade Commission reports that the US fast food industry spends approximately $1.6 billion each year on marketing aimed at children.  
• Fast food statistics:
  The fast food industry donate money to professional nutrition associations. Coca Cola sponsors the American Dietetic Association. Why? Political lobbying...
• According to studies (by the University of Michigan School of Public Health) living in neighborhoods with a high density of fast-food outlets could increase your risk of stroke by 13%, compared to living in neighborhoods where fast food restaurants are infrequent.
• Americans spend more money per year on fast food than they do on education.
• The amount of food produced daily in the US amounts to 3,800 calories per person. Twice the daily calorie requirement of the average male or female, and three times the daily calorie requirements of children.
• The United States Center of Disease Control and Prevention reports that from 1970 to 2000 the average US male has increased his daily calorie intake by 168 calories and the average woman by 335 calories a day.