Nearly a third of American adults eat fast food on any given day, but new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals their overall reliance on fast food is gradually decreasing. According to the report, “Fast-Food Consumption Among Adults and Children in the United States, 2021–2023,” just over 30% of U.S. adults aged 20 and above indulge in fast food daily, with 1 in 5 Americans getting at least a quarter of their daily calories from these meals. The data, which comes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from August 2021 to August 2023, also points to shifting patterns among youth, suggesting evolving attitudes towards convenience food in American society (Deseret News).
This new research matters for Thai readers because American fast food culture has long influenced diets, lifestyles, and urban dining choices in Thailand. With multinational chains prominent in Bangkok and other cities, the health impacts of fast food are increasingly relevant as Thailand experiences its own nutritional transitions. Understanding U.S. trends provides important context for Thai policymakers, health educators, and families attempting to navigate similar challenges posed by fast food’s appeal and health risks.
Key findings from the CDC’s assessment reveal that on an average day, fast food accounts for 11.7% of total calories consumed by American adults. Young adults aged 20–39 take in the most—more than 15% of their daily calories originate from fast food. Middle-aged adults (40–59) consume nearly 12%, while seniors (60 and older) get about 6%. Fast food intake remains common across all education levels, though those who have only some college (without degrees) consume the most; both college graduates and high school graduates ate less fast food on average.
Importantly, the study also marks a small but significant drop in fast food calorie consumption. In 2013–2014, restaurant fast foods made up 14.1% of adult daily calorie intake versus 11.7% in 2021–2023, signaling a possible shift towards healthier eating or at least reduced frequency and portion size. Despite these improvements, the CDC noted no meaningful difference between men and women in fast food consumption patterns.
Expanding on the findings for children and adolescents, the researchers highlighted that while 36.3% of American youths (ages 2–19) ate fast food daily between 2015 and 2018, that number dropped to 30.1% in the latest survey. Today, the average child or teen gets 11.4% of their calories from fast food, most pronounced in teenagers aged 12–19, who source nearly 15% of their daily energy from such meals. Like the adult cohort, there were no significant differences based on gender.
Expert insights included in the report and from other nutritionists offer crucial context. High fast food consumption is associated with increased intake of calories, fat, sodium, and sugar—while fiber, minerals, fruits, whole grains, and nuts are often lacking. Researchers, including those from Arizona State University, emphasized that 85% of menu items from America’s six largest fast food chains are considered “ultra-processed foods,” a term now supported by major health journals and bodies like the World Health Organization (Public Health Nutrition).
Health professionals stress moderation and informed choices over strict avoidance. According to a British nutritionist interviewed by The Daily Mail, “From a functional perspective, we want to focus on blood sugar balance, lowering inflammation and supporting digestion—even when convenience is the priority.” This perspective suggests that, even amid busy schedules, it is possible to make healthier fast food selections—such as modifying menu items, choosing salads, or supplementing meals with nuts or vegetables. Recent guidance from Healthline supports this approach, noting that nearly all fast food chains in the US now offer at least some healthier options, or allow customization to improve nutritional value (Healthline).
For Thailand, these trends underscore the importance of health education and policy interventions as western-style fast food becomes further entrenched, especially among younger generations in urban centers. The Ministry of Public Health and leading Thai pediatricians have already expressed concerns about rising childhood obesity rates and associated non-communicable diseases, widely believed to be linked to increased fast food availability. Similar to the American experience, research in Thailand has shown that fast food consumption correlates with higher calorie and sodium intake, as well as lower overall dietary quality (NCBI Thailand fast food study). Street food and traditional Thai snacks, though rich in local flavor, can also contribute to energy-dense diets if consumed excessively or without balance.
Culture remains a critical element. In Thai society, communal eating and fresh food markets play a foundational role in family and social life. Yet modern lifestyles—longer school and work hours, traffic congestion, and the influence of American culture—are pushing more Thais toward ready-to-eat and takeaway meals. The encroachment of fast food brands is now visible not just in Bangkok and major cities but also in second-tier towns and even school cafeterias. The U.S. experience now points to the necessity for public awareness campaigns, nutrition labels, and school meal standards that can help Thai families make informed choices as the food environment changes.
Future developments may include regulatory actions by Thai authorities to limit the marketing of ultra-processed foods to children, introduce clearer food labeling in fast food establishments, and incentivize local chains to develop healthier menu items. The U.S. trend of declining fast food dependence—especially among children—may be the result of such measures, alongside greater public awareness of nutrition and its links to chronic disease. For Thailand, integrating lessons from the American approach can inform national strategies for promoting student wellness, workplace health, and a vibrant food culture that balances tradition with modern convenience.
For individual readers in Thailand, the takeaway is both practical and cultural: shift focus toward moderation and balance. While the classic burger, fries, and sugary drink remain tempting for their convenience and flavor, consider mixing in healthier side dishes, exploring local fresh food options, and limiting ultra-processed menu choices. Remember that many fast food outlets now offer salads, grilled protein, or vegetarian choices—making it easier to blend speed with nutrition.
To stay ahead of the curve, families and schools in Thailand can start food literacy education early, model balanced snack and meal choices, and discuss how global diets influence local health. Looking to American research—and adapting its lessons locally—echoes the philosophy of “sam ruam” (สำรวม) or moderation at the heart of Thai culture.
For more information, consult the full CDC report (CDC Fast Food Report), related coverage at Deseret News (Deseret News Fast Food Analysis), authoritative nutrition advice at Healthline, and recent research on fast food trends in Thailand (PubMed study).