Alarm grows in Switzerland over influx of fast food chains

"As more fast-food chains pop up in Switzerland, government officials and doctors have sounded the alarm about the eating habits and health of the population. Nearly every city in Switzerland has at least one, but more likely several, fast-food restaurants. There are currently almost 500 of these franchises across the country, in addition to numerous kebab, taco, and pizza chains."

"Since most fast foods are high in saturated fats but have little or no nutritional value, doctors are worried that eating them regularly as some people tend to because they are comparatively inexpensive - will have serious repercussions on their health. It's no coincidence that the United States has the highest density of fast-food restaurants and one of the highest obesity rates."

"The food environment plays an important role, Jorge Correia, head of the Obesity Treatment Clinic at Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), told the Swiss News Agency Keystone-ATS. The situation is not yet quite as bad in Switzerland, but there are reasons for alarm nevertheless. Increased risks "The number of consultations has exploded in recent years; we are almost overcrowded," said Correia. Government figures confirm this trend."

Switzerland now hosts nearly 500 fast-food franchises plus many kebab, taco, and pizza chains, with McDonald's aiming to exceed 200 restaurants and other US chains planning expansion. Fast foods are typically high in saturated fats and low in nutritional value, making regular consumption a health concern, especially because they are inexpensive. Medical professionals report surging consultations for obesity treatment and warn of worsening trends. Federal data show about 15 percent of children and 43 percent of adults are overweight or obese. Young people receive targeted advertising including toys in menus and influencer promotion.

Read at www.thelocal.ch