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.
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.
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:
