Here at NationalZero we often like to mock really over the top fast food items. Now, fast food websites have started posting nutrition information on their company’s menu pages. Some of those really over the top items have really over the top calorie and fat counts, but the thing that really makes fast food so unhealthy is that items are often consumed in multiples (don’t try to tell me you’ve never scarfed down two or three Sausage McMuffins or Wendy’s Junior Cheeseburger deluxe in one sitting because I know you’re lying).  Following is a brief sample of some fast food items, some of them are those really over the top giant menu items, but I’ve also collected several examples of  common long-time menu items that people frequently scarf down two or three at a time.

Wendy’s Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Triple: 1280 calories, 86 grams of fat

Wendy’s Junior Cheeseburger Deluxe: 340 calories, 20 grams of fat

Wendy’s small fries: 270 calories, 13 grams of fat

Mcdonald’s Big Mac: 550 calories (fat content not listed)

McDonald’s McDouble: 400 calories (fat content not listed)

McDonald’s World Famous Fries (small): 220 calories (fat content not listed)

McDonald’s Sausage McMuffin (without egg): 400 calories (fat content not listed)

Burger King Bacon, Egg & Cheese Croissanwich: 340 calories, 18 grams of fat

Burger King Double Cheeseburger: 388 calories, 21 grams of fat

KFC 5 piece tenders box meal: 1000 to 1840 calories (depending on beverage and choice of sides)

We need to remember as consumers that it’s not just what you choose off the menu but how many or how much of that item you get.  According to caloriecalculator.net, an average American male who is 40 years old, 5’10” tall, weighs 170 lbs and engages in light exercise 1 to 3 times per week only needs around 2400 calories per day to maintain body weight. When you consider the figures listed above are just one trip through the drive-through, and that you’ll probably have two more meals and a few snacks that same day, it’s really no surprise that we’re turning into a nation of morbidly obese diabetics.