Limit fast foods
Limit consumption of “fast foods” and other processed foods high in fat, starches and/or sugars.
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Overview of evidence
There is strong evidence that diets containing greater amounts of ‘fast foods’ and other processed foods high in fat, starches and/or sugars are a cause of weight gain and overweight and obesity as they increase the risk of excess energy intake relative to expenditure.
Limiting consumption of ‘fast foods’ and other processed foods helps control calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight. Greater body weight is a cause of many cancers.
Goal
Limit consumption of processed foods high in fat, starches and/or sugars – including ‘fast foods’, many pre-prepared dishes, snacks, bakery foods and desserts and confectionery (sweets and candy)
Evidence
There is probable evidence that:
- Consuming ‘fast foods’ (readily available convenience foods that tend to be energy dense and are often consumed frequently and in large portions) is a cause of weight gain and overweight and obesity.
- Consuming a ‘Western type’ diet (characterised by a high amount of free sugars, meat, and fat) is a cause of weight gain and overweight and obesity.
- Glycaemic load (the increase in blood glucose and changes in insulin level after consumption of food) is a cause of endometrial cancer.
The increasing availability, affordability and acceptability of ‘fast foods’ and other processed foods high in fat, starches and/or sugars (which are highly palatable, high in energy, easy to access, and convenient to store) is contributing to rising rates of overweight and obesity worldwide.
Most of the evidence on ‘fast foods’ is from studies of foods such as burgers, fried chicken pieces, chips (French fries), and high-calorie drinks (containing sugars, such as cola, or fat, such as shakes).
Most foods undergo some form of processing before consumption. More highly processed foods have generally undergone industrial processing and are often higher in energy and lower in micronutrients. These foods include:
Potato products such as chips and crisps
- Products made from white flour such as bread, pasta, and pizza
- Cakes, pastries, biscuits and cookies
- Confectionery such as sweets and candy
Globally, overweight and obesity are at the highest levels ever seen. Increases are particularly evident in low and middle-income countries where ‘fast foods’ and other processed foods are increasingly available, at the same time physical activity levels are declining. This is a feature of the ‘nutrition transition’ that accompanies economic development.
Not all foods high in fat need to be avoided. Some, such as certain oils of plant origin, nuts, and seeds, are important sources of nutrients. Their consumption has not been linked with weight gain and by their nature they tend to be consumed in smaller portions.
Additional information
Other evidence on physical activity is limited (either in amount or because of issues with study design or other methodological flaws), but is suggestive of a decreased risk of oesophageal, lung, and liver cancers.
In addition, there is evidence on sedentary behaviours that is limited but suggestive of an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Further research is required, and the Panel has not used the limited evidence to inform this recommendation.
Mechanisms
The mechanisms underpinning links between fast foods and cancer are indirect in that they are linked to the multiple mechanisms involved in the development of overweight and obesity.
Implications for other diseases
Limiting intake of processed foods high in fat, starches and/or sugars is recommended by many other organisations to reduce the risk of several non-communicable diseases.
Limiting intake of ‘fast foods’ and other processed foods reduces the risk of weight gain and living with overweight and obesity, which are common risk factors for other conditions and diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.
Public health / policy implications
The increasing availability, affordability and acceptability of ‘fast foods’ and other processed foods high in fat, starches and/or sugars is contributing to rising rates of overweight and obesity worldwide. A whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach is necessary to create environments for people and communities that are conducive to limiting consumption of ‘fast foods’ and other processed foods and enables the consumption of healthy diets consistent with our Cancer Prevention Recommendations.
A comprehensive package of policies is needed to limit the availability, affordability and acceptability of ‘fast foods’ and other processed foods. This includes policies that restrict marketing of such foods, especially to children.
Policies are also needed that influence the food environment, the food system, and behaviour change communication across the life course.
These policies can also help contribute to a sustainable ecological environment. Policymakers are encouraged to frame specific goals and actions according to their national context.
Further reading
Get more detail on this topic from different parts of our Diet and Cancer Report 2018.