The Claim
Daily consumption of fast food is associated with 2.51 times higher odds of being in the least sustainable lifestyle quartile compared to non-consumption, and daily consumption of sugary drinks, salty snacks, and sweet snacks is associated with 1.82, 1.51, and 1.42 times higher odds, respectively, of being in the least sustainable lifestyle quartile among adults across 14 Latin American and Spanish countries.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Adults in 14 Latin American and Spanish countries who eat fast food every day are 2.51 times more likely to be in the group with the least sustainable lifestyle than those who do not eat fast food daily. Similar increases in likelihood are seen with daily consumption of sugary drinks, salty snacks, and sweet snacks.
See the scientific wording
Daily consumption of fast food is associated with 2.51 times higher odds of being in the least sustainable lifestyle quartile compared to non-consumption, while daily consumption of sugary drinks, salty snacks, and sweet snacks is associated with 1.82, 1.51, and 1.42 times higher odds, respectively, in adults across 14 Latin American and Spanish countries.
Eating fast food and sugary snacks every day changes the bacteria in the gut, which sends signals to the brain that make the person crave more of these foods. This constant craving overrides decisions about healthy or sustainable habits, so the person keeps buying packaged foods, driving more, and ignoring eco-friendly choices.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Sustainable Lifestyles: A Multicenter Study
People who eat fast food every day are more likely to have habits that harm the environment—like driving more and buying less local food—than those who don’t, and the same is true, though less strongly, for sugary drinks and snacks. The study found this pattern across 14 countries.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.