A new list published by WorldAtlas has identified several major fast food chains in the United States as among the country’s unhealthiest, citing concerns over high-calorie meals, salt, sugar and saturated fat content.
The report examined nutrition information, menu strategies and marketing approaches used by major restaurant chains. According to WorldAtlas, many popular fast food meals can contain a significant portion of, or even exceed, recommended daily calorie intake in a single sitting.
McDonald’s was included on the list, with WorldAtlas highlighting the global fast food chain’s extensive reach and popularity. The report noted that the company’s more than 40,000 restaurants worldwide have helped make high-calorie fast food widely accessible.
According to the report, a Big Mac meal with large fries and a soft drink can exceed 1,300 calories, while a Double Quarter Pounder combo may reach around 2,000 calories. WorldAtlas also pointed to items such as hash browns, McFlurries and large-sized beverages as contributors to increased sugar, fat and sodium intake.
The report acknowledged that McDonald’s removed artificial trans fats from its menu years ago but argued that promotional strategies, including value bundles, child-focused advertising and 24-hour services, continue to make frequent consumption convenient.
KFC was also highlighted in the report for its fried food offerings and popular meal deals. WorldAtlas said the chain’s signature buckets and combo meals can contain high levels of calories, fat and sodium.
The report stated that a three-piece Extra Crispy combo with a biscuit and mashed potatoes with gravy contains approximately 1,300 calories, 2,900 milligrams of sodium and 22 grams of saturated fat, before adding a beverage or other side items. It also noted that KFC’s Famous Bowl can add around 540 calories to a meal.
WorldAtlas further cited KFC’s periodic Double Down sandwich, which contains about 610 calories, saying that pairing it with fries and a drink can push a meal total to roughly 1,450 calories.
The report said KFC’s global presence, with around 30,000 locations and frequent value-based promotions, has helped make fried food a common choice for families and consumers.
Other fast food chains included in the WorldAtlas list were Chick-fil-A, Little Caesars, Smashburger, Quiznos, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, Sonic and Wendy’s.
