The CDC considers obesity a severe, common and costly chronic disease with more than two in five U.S. adults having it. Many experts believe unhealthy foods, including those from fast food chains, are part of the problem.
WorldAtlas recently ranked the 10 worst fast-food chains, examining their nutrition data, menu gimmicks, and marketing tactics at major chains.
One favorite chain rounds out the list of the 10 that “routinely serve meals that can eclipse daily calorie limits in a single sitting while encouraging visits through bargain pricing and around-the-clock service.”
What is the most unhealthy fast food chain in the US?
A Wendy’s fast food restaurant sits along Indiantown Road in Jupiter, Fla., on Thursday, February 20, 2025. The 43-year-old building will get torn down and rebuilt.
Wendy’s topped the list for the unhealthiest fast food chains, with World Atlas writing its square burgers and Frosty desserts create a “caloric minefield.”
“A Triple Baconator meal with large fries and medium Frosty hits about 2,160 calories, 54 g saturated fat and 3,400 mg sodium, exceeding most daily limits in one sitting,” the study writes. “Seasonal beasts like the Pretzel Bacon Pub Triple top 1,500 calories by themselves.
“Breakfast croissant combos, Biggie Bag bargains and late-night hours foster oversized, frequent visits, landing Wendy’s firmly atop America’s most waist-widening, heart-straining chains.”
There are 513 Wendy’s restaurants across Florida.
Is Chick-fil-A healthy?
Not really. Despite its glowing reputation as one of the “healthier” options, the Georgia-based chicken chain placed 10th on WorldAtlas’s study.
“An ‘original chicken sandwich’ with medium waffle fries delivers ~ 750 mg sodium, about one-third of a day’s limit, and 800 calories, while sugary lemonade and milkshakes push totals sky-high,” the study writes.
Is Chick-fil-A healthy? Fast-food chain named one of the least nutritious in America
It also noted that the chain has dialed back its ‘No Antibiotics Ever’ pledge in 2024, although its 2026 cage-free egg goal remains.
There are 271 Chick-fil-A’s across Florida.
See the top 10 unhealthiest fast food chains
How can I make fast food healthy? See tips
Let’s be clear: there’s no shame in grabbing fast food from time to time. Sometimes, it is the easiest or most inexpensive option when it comes to mealtime.
But is there a way to make it healthy? Or at least healthier? There certainly is.
According to the independent mental health nonprofit HelpGuide, there are ways to make healthier choices at your favorite fast food restaurant. Here are some of their tips:
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Aim to keep your entire meal to no more than a third of your recommended daily caloric intake.
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Opt for foods that are lower in fat and higher in protein and fiber.
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Focus on grilled or roasted lean meats.
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Pay attention to the descriptions on the menu
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Bring your own add-on items if you really want a nutrient boost.
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Keep your eye on portion size.
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Don’t be afraid to special order.
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Don’t assume that healthy-sounding dishes are always your best option.
Contributing: Miguel Legoas, USA TODAY Network
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell rankings for Florida ‘unhealthiest’ chains
