Fast food is an undeniable staple in American dining culture, offering consumers a quick, affordable, and indulgent eating option. However, convenience comes with a cost—especially when it comes to the nutritional value of certain menu items. One such item, the fast food burger, has come under increasing scrutiny by health organizations due to its contribution to the rise in chronic diseases, such as obesity and heart disease.
While not all burgers are created equal, some pack significantly more unhealthy ingredients than others. A recent study by PlushCare has pinpointed the Five Guys Cheeseburger as the unhealthiest fast food burger in America. This assessment, based on factors like calories, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar content, highlights the alarming nutritional profile of this popular fast food item.
Advertisement
The Study: Ranking America's Burgers by Health Risk
The PlushCare study examined fast food burgers from 24 chains, focusing on key nutritional elements that directly affect health, including calories, fat content (especially saturated fat), sodium, and sugar. Among these, the Five Guys Cheeseburger emerged as the worst offender, receiving an "unhealthiness" score of 50.
The PlushCare study examined fast food burgers from 24 chains, focusing on key nutritional elements that directly affect health, including calories, fat content (especially saturated fat), sodium, and sugar. Among these, the Five Guys Cheeseburger emerged as the worst offender, receiving an "unhealthiness" score of 50.
This score placed it far above other well-known burgers, such as the Whataburger Jalapeño & Cheese and the Classic Smash from Smashburger, both of which had scores of 42. The Five Guys burger's sky-high calorie count, dangerous levels of saturated fat, and excessive sodium made it stand out as the unhealthiest choice for diners concerned about their long-term well-being.
Nutritional Breakdown of the Five Guys Cheeseburger
The Five Guys Cheeseburger's nutritional profile explains why it tops the unhealthiness charts:
The Five Guys Cheeseburger's nutritional profile explains why it tops the unhealthiness charts:
Calories: The burger contains a staggering 1,060 calories, which is more than half of the recommended daily caloric intake for many adults, particularly those with sedentary lifestyles. This high-calorie count puts individuals at risk of weight gain and obesity, two conditions closely tied to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
Fat Content: Total fat in the burger amounts to 62 grams, with 30 grams of saturated fat alone. Saturated fat has been extensively studied and linked to increased levels of LDL cholesterol, often called "bad" cholesterol, which contributes to the development of atherosclerosis (the hardening of arteries), heightening the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Sodium: At 1,310 milligrams of sodium, the Five Guys Cheeseburger provides over half the American Heart Association’s (AHA) recommended daily intake of 2,300 mg. High sodium intake is a significant contributor to hypertension (high blood pressure), a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Sugar: Although sugar is not a significant concern in burgers compared to other fast food items, the Five Guys Cheeseburger contains 1 gram of sugar, which, while minimal, still adds to the overall poor nutritional value of the meal.
Why These Nutritional Metrics Matter
These nutritional elements play crucial roles in long-term health:
These nutritional elements play crucial roles in long-term health:
Calories: Consuming more calories than the body needs leads to weight gain and eventually obesity. Obesity is a well-documented risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In addition, excessive caloric intake without corresponding physical activity can lead to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Saturated Fat: Saturated fat has a well-established role in raising LDL cholesterol, which contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries. According to the American Heart Association, diets high in saturated fats are directly linked to cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. The Five Guys Cheeseburger contains nearly 73% more saturated fat than other comparable fast food burgers, making it especially dangerous for heart health.
Sodium: High sodium levels have been repeatedly linked to hypertension. Consuming a single burger with such a high sodium content increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, a key contributor to heart disease. Excessive sodium intake is also associated with increased risk of stroke and kidney disease.
Other Studies on Fast Food Burgers and Health Risks
In addition to PlushCare’s study, other research supports the link between fast food burgers and poor health outcomes. A comprehensive review by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) examined the broader effects of fast food consumption on public health. It found that frequent fast food consumption is associated with an increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
In addition to PlushCare’s study, other research supports the link between fast food burgers and poor health outcomes. A comprehensive review by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) examined the broader effects of fast food consumption on public health. It found that frequent fast food consumption is associated with an increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
A similar study published in Circulation by the American Heart Association found that regular consumption of high-calorie fast food, particularly burgers and fries, significantly raises the risk of coronary heart disease. The study highlighted the impact of high saturated fat and sodium levels in these foods, particularly noting how they contribute to artery-clogging plaque and increased blood pressure.
Another key study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) explored the relationship between fast food consumption and brain health. Their findings suggested that a diet high in saturated fat and sodium can impair cognitive function, particularly memory and learning abilities. This adds another dimension to the potential dangers of regularly consuming high-fat fast food items like the Five Guys Cheeseburger.
How the Five Guys Cheeseburger Compares to Other Burgers
While fast food giants such as McDonald's and Burger King are often the focus of health criticisms, Five Guys' burgers, particularly the cheeseburger, stand out for their portion size and customization options. Unlike smaller burgers from McDonald's or Wendy's, a standard Five Guys cheeseburger is much larger, often exceeding a single serving size. Furthermore, Five Guys encourages customers to add various toppings—such as bacon, extra cheese, and sautéed vegetables—that significantly increase the calorie, fat, and sodium content.
While fast food giants such as McDonald's and Burger King are often the focus of health criticisms, Five Guys' burgers, particularly the cheeseburger, stand out for their portion size and customization options. Unlike smaller burgers from McDonald's or Wendy's, a standard Five Guys cheeseburger is much larger, often exceeding a single serving size. Furthermore, Five Guys encourages customers to add various toppings—such as bacon, extra cheese, and sautéed vegetables—that significantly increase the calorie, fat, and sodium content.
By contrast, while a McDonald's Big Mac or Burger King Whopper is still unhealthy, with approximately 550-700 calories and 30 grams of fat, these items are comparatively less calorically dense than the Five Guys Cheeseburger. The customization and larger portion sizes offered at Five Guys elevate its products into a higher risk category for those watching their nutritional intake.
Health Implications of Regular Fast Food Consumption
Long-term consumption of fast food items like the Five Guys Cheeseburger has been associated with several chronic health conditions:
Long-term consumption of fast food items like the Five Guys Cheeseburger has been associated with several chronic health conditions:
Weight Gain and Obesity: Regularly consuming high-calorie, high-fat burgers can lead to significant weight gain, increasing the risk of obesity. Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Heart Disease: Diets high in saturated fat and sodium can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and other cardiovascular conditions. The saturated fat in the Five Guys Cheeseburger, for example, contributes directly to the hardening of the arteries and increases the risk of heart attacks.
Type 2 Diabetes: High-fat and high-calorie meals increase the body’s insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Individuals with diets heavy in fast food are more likely to develop this condition, which affects glucose metabolism and leads to further complications like cardiovascular disease and kidney damage.
Advertisement
Informed Choices for Better Health
The findings of PlushCare’s study, combined with numerous other research efforts, underscore the importance of making informed dining choices when consuming fast food. While burgers like the Five Guys Cheeseburger may offer indulgence, the long-term health risks are too significant to ignore. By understanding the nutritional breakdown of these popular menu items, consumers can better balance their fast food indulgences with healthier, nutrient-rich meals to prioritize their long-term health.
The findings of PlushCare’s study, combined with numerous other research efforts, underscore the importance of making informed dining choices when consuming fast food. While burgers like the Five Guys Cheeseburger may offer indulgence, the long-term health risks are too significant to ignore. By understanding the nutritional breakdown of these popular menu items, consumers can better balance their fast food indulgences with healthier, nutrient-rich meals to prioritize their long-term health.