title: JCL roundtable: fast food and the American diet.
abstract: The availability of food quickly prepared at lower cost and with consistent quality and convenience has made a variety of restaurant chains extremely popular. Commonly referred to as the fast food industry, these companies have stores on virtually every street corner in cities large and small. Fast foods contribute to energy intake, and depending on the food choices made, provide foods and nutrients that should be decreased in the diet. As Americans have become more conscious of their risk factors for heart disease and recognized eating patterns as a contributor to blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, the fast food industry has attempted to adjust their menus to provide more healthful choices. The Roundtable discussion in this issue of the Journal will focus on the importance of this industry as a source of foods that could help address our population-wide efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease.
authors: Emory University School of Medicine, 3208 Habersham Rd., NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA. Electronic address: wbrow925@bellsouth.net.
authors: W Virgil
authors: WV
authors: Brown
authors: Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-8877, USA.
authors: Jo Ann S
authors: JA
authors: Carson
authors: Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
authors: Rachel K
authors: RK
authors: Johnson
authors: Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, 110 Chandlee Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
authors: Penny
authors: P
authors: Kris-Etherton
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004032:Diet; D002149:Energy Intake; D057140:Fast Foods; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000097:blood; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006801:Humans; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D012492:Salts / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D012492:Salts; D002784:Cholesterol
keywords: Cholesterol; Fast food; Heart disease; Nutrition; Saturated fat