Students often find themselves short on time and low on cash, forcing them to “drive- thru” a local fast-food restaurant chain.
According to the American Obesity Association, approximately 127 million adults in the United States are overweight, 60 million are obese and 9 million are severely obese.
Julie Hupperich, assistant director of the Student Health Center, said eating fast food is all about choices.
“The consumers are beginning to demand more salads and healthy items,” she said. “People should try to get good info. Getting more information about fast-food restaurants and increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables helps.”
Hupperich said the Wellness Education Department, in the basement of the Student Health Center, has many different resources to help students eat healthier.
“I think Baton Rouge and Louisiana in general have a higher obesity rate,” said Hupperich. “It’s the culture – food fits into celebration.”
Trans-fatty acids are the newest concern in the field of dietetics, said Hupperich, who also is a dietician. Trans-fatty acids are created in the chemical formation of the fat and are considered worse than saturated fats.
“They are found in fried foods and prepared desserts like muffins and cake donuts,” Hupperich said. “It can get confusing. I tell students to not just worry about saturated fat. If trans fat is present, it’s just as bad.”
Biochemistry junior Jacob Bitoun said his favorite fast-food restaurant is Wendy’s because everything seems fresher.
“My dad was a chef, so I cook a lot at home,” Bitoun said. “You can cook a meal that is really balanced.”
Bitoun also said he tends to order with his taste buds in mind, not the healthiness of the meal.
“Chicken, turkey – It doesn’t matter.” Bitoun said. “I order things that are tasty.”
Ann Scott, manager of Wendy’s on College Drive, said she thinks people are beginning to eat healthier.
“You can eat too much of any food,” Scott said. “It will cause obesity.”
Wendy’s offers a new, low-calorie, low-fat salad menu which appeals to healthy eaters, Scott said.
But some students stay away from fast food completely.
“I don’t eat fast food,” said elementary education junior Rochelle Washington. “I never ate fast food when I was a kid.”
Washington, who lives in an on-campus apartment and works out five days a week, said she cooks healthy foods, such as broiled chicken breast, at home to stay healthy.
“Staying up late and eating got me in trouble my freshman year,” she said. “Now I do the treadmill, the stair-master and lift weights.”