Fast food is contributing to childhood obesity, hormonal imbalances, and mental health issues. Nutritionist Crystal Debs stresses the importance of parents guiding healthier eating habits to combat these risks.
Fast food’s hidden impact on children’s health in Lebanon
Fast food’s hidden impact on children’s health in Lebanon
By The Beiruter | February 28, 2026
Reading time: 3 min
Fast food has become an integral part of the diet for children and adolescents, with its presence amplified by promotions and deals that they are drawn to without fully realizing the health and psychological risks associated with their consumption. Healthy food alternatives are readily available, but it only takes an initiative from parents to change behaviors that shape the future of their children's health.
There are several reasons why children are more attracted to fast food than healthy food. The high sugar, fat, and salt content in fast food stimulates the pleasure centers in the brain, triggering the release of dopamine and serotonin, hormones that create a craving for these foods while weakening the satiety signals, leading to a form of addiction. These foods are also soft and easy to chew compared to vegetables and fruits, making them easier to consume.
Moreover, the habit of eating them at home, instead of healthier meals, especially when using chocolate, pizza, or burgers as rewards, associates fast food with happiness. Nutritionist Crystal Debs explains that
the consumption of fast food is very high in Lebanon and globally, due to its presence in public places, restaurants, schools, and homes.
Advertising plays a significant role in attracting children's attention with music, dancing, colors, and funny characters, presenting fast food as a treat and a source of enjoyment. She further highlights that “fast food consumption directly impacts children's weight, leading to obesity, which negatively affects their physical and health growth due to the high fat and sugar content and the low fiber”. As a result, they consume large amounts of calories without feeling full, leading to rapid weight gain.
Fast food also affects puberty hormones, causing early puberty or hormonal imbalances, and it increases the risk of insulin resistance, joint pain, and pressure on bones and joints, resulting in discomfort during movement or breathing. Furthermore, obesity negatively impacts a child's mental health due to bullying. Debs affirms that heart disease begins in childhood due to poor dietary habits. Fast food's saturated and trans fats increase cholesterol levels, which can lead to artery hardening, while its high salt content raises blood pressure.
Foods high in simple sugars cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, leading to large insulin releases, increasing the risk of insulin resistance and the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, fast food lacks essential nutrients responsible for children's growth and immunity, such as vitamins D (important for bone health), C (essential for immunity and iron absorption), A (critical for eye health), iron, and calcium.
As for its effect on focus and academic performance, Debs states: "Since a deficiency in key elements like iron, zinc, and omega-3 affects brain development, it inevitably impacts concentration, memory, academic performance, and children's future prospects." She also points out a possible link between excessive fast food consumption and behavioral disorders, such as hyperactivity. Studies have shown that these disorders can worsen in some children due to sugar, food additives, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Given this, Debs emphasizes that the family plays a crucial role in shaping the child's eating habits, as they learn by imitating their parents. Parents should set an example and ensure healthy meals, such as cooked dishes, fruits, and vegetables, with a clear routine regarding food consumption and sugar intake. It is also important to educate children about healthy eating and the negative impacts of fast food on their growth, involving them in preparing healthy meals and selecting products in stores to encourage positive habits.
Finally, she advises against completely denying children fast food but recommends gradually reducing its consumption in favor of healthy eating habits. Fast food should not be used as a reward, and parents should encourage physical activities, sports, and regular sleep while limiting screen time.
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The Beiruter
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