Ultra-processed and filled with empty calories, fast food has long been thought to increase the risk of obesity and cancer. While fast-food chains have, on the face of it, offered healthier options, a new study finds that the health impact of their menus has not improved. Quite the contrary, in fact.

Would you believe that data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that, over 35% percent of American adults eat fast food on any given day. A further study shows that around 74% of American parents purchase unhealthy foods for their children in fast-food restaurants. This is despite the fact that, for the past five years, some of the most popular fast-food chains said they were committed to offering more healthy options on their children’s menus.

A new study suggests that most fast-food restaurant menus have not, in fact, become more healthy despite the addition of some arguably more wholesome choices. Researchers analyzed the variety, portion size, and nutrition of meals offered by 10 of the most popular fast-food chains in the U.S.

The researchers looked at how entrées, sides, and desserts changed on these fast-food restaurants’ menus over a 30-year span. More specifically, they paid attention to changes in caloric content, portion size, energy density, and sodium, iron, and calcium contents.

First, the researchers observed that the variety of foods that these restaurants offered increased at a high rate of 226% per year. However, as the variety increased, so did the caloric content of the food items on offer, as did portion size. The largest such rise was in the dessert category, with an increase of 62 kilocalories every 10 years. Next came entrées, which saw an increase of 30 kilocalories per decade.

The report concludes that we nned to find better ways to help people consume fewer calories and sodium at fast-food restaurants. The requirement that chain restaurants display calories on their menus is a start but they would like to see more changes, such as restaurants offering smaller portions at proportionately lower prices.

So why don’t you join with me and make your New Year Resolution to eat less junk food. Even if you have a busy lifestyle, preparing your own meals has never been easier or healthier.