User:Jasonkung22/sandbox

Correlation between fast food and rising obesity after 2012[edit]
Due to a lack of study on the subject, a 2016 journal by Elsevier uses a theory-based approach to assess the effects of fast food on Chinese obesity among youth. While Chinese children statically consume less fast food than American children, Chinese children are becoming increasingly obese and it is likely that the influx of fast food in China is a contributing factor even though it might not be the principle culprit. Of those who frequent Chinese fast food institutions the most, the vast majority do so in groups as a social activity. Fast food restaurants are also a hot-spot for birthday parties or hosting social events, furthering this idea of a fast food being primarily a social activity. From this, it is reasonable to suppose that the Chinese do not necessarily consume fast food because of the convenience and cheap prices that entice Americans. This idea of fast-food restaurants as an exotic social destination draws youth away from Chinese restaurants, coupled with the increased number of fast-food restaurants near transport hubs, could very well be negatively impacting their health. Recent Chinese domestic food scandals have Chinese customers shying away from domestic food, leading to a belief that Western brands hold a higher standard and thus making Western fast food increasingly popular within urban cities.

A study published in 2016 connects the expanding number of Western fast food enterprises in China to rising rates of obesity. Fast Food industry revenue in China grew over six times from 2000 to 2012, accumulating 80611 million US dollars in 2012. From 2002 to 2012, obesity and overweight rates, using Chinese BMI cut points(24 < BMI < 28 for overweight, and BMI>28 for obesity), among adults grew 12%. A cross sectional study on 3140 primary and middle school students showed having lunch in FF restaurant (versus home) was positively associated with overweight. The rising of the Western fast food industry in China has been attributed to changing Chinese diets, combined with an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, contributing to growing obesity rates. Western fast food often involves processed food that are high in salt, sugar, and fat, that are changing the tastes of the Chinese population.