THE BATTLE OF MEN VS. WOMEN

BACKGROUND RESEARCH

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  BACKGROUND

            When the fast food industry first began, the people found it convenient that meals can be made within minutes and sold for a fair price. As time went on, this phenomenon began to overtake the USA. The prices of fast food in this age is nearly triple the amount that it was originally. Along with the prices, the proportion sizes doubles as well. These carbohydrates and calories link to diabetes and obesity. Diabetes and obesity has spiked quite a bit in little kids.

             The NR Journal observed the consumption of fast food at large Midwestern universities. Many students at these universities dorm and have a meal plan. To vary their meals, they go eat at local fast food restaurants or diners. This observation showed that there were a higher percentage of males than females. The study took a sample of 113 males and females at the university. From this sample of 113 males and females, 84% of males reported eating fast food regularly whereas the females reported 58%. This study is similar to ours since the male proportion was significantly greater than the females. Specifically, 70% of male reported eating at a burger/fries place weekly compared to females who reported 63%. To support the increase of proportion size nearly 50 percent of men reported not considering proportion size and 53 percent of women did consider. This shows the consumption rate has a correlation with the attendance rate by gender.

            According to the National Institutes of Health, adults who eat more at fast food restaurants tend to be overweight and have a greater increase in insulin resistance, creating more room for diabetes. Fast food consumption has increased greatly and is still growing as each year passes on.

          

   

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  BACKGROUND CONTINUED 

   

  The popular victims of the fast food industry are usually young adults, particularly college students. After 15 years, people who consumed fast food more than twice a week ended up gaining ten pounds compared to those that at once a week. This study also showed that men ate at fast food restaurants than women. Comparing fast food consumptions amongst races, Blacks had a greater attendance with an average of 2.3 visits per week than whites. This study broke down the attendance between men and women, and also focused on the matter of diseases and race differences.

              According to a study done by Vikram Pathania at UC Berkley, it showed the fast food intake from the younger generation as well as pregnant women. Rates of being overweight were 5% in young adults in 1970. Now the rates increased to 16% in 1999-2002.  This study supports the massive increase in fast food intake.

              Another study was done concerning the fast food intake done by the International Journal of Obesity. The target groups were young adults varying form middle school to high school. Their main focus was the energy intake and output. The results of the energy intake seemed perfectly normal. Males who reported not having fast food for the past week had nearly 40% more energy than the usual fast food consumer. For women the percentage was 37% higher. As for the actual breakdown of the food, percentage energy from the fat was 9% higher for the males and 13% higher for the females who reported visiting fast food restaurants 3-4 times a week. This number was higher since the respondents rarely had any fruits or vegetables added to their diet.