NEW YORK, Sept 30: A report from medical experts at Universal Drugstore suggests that America's obsession with pizza may be contributing to a growing obesity epidemic. The analysis utilized Google search and survey data to identify the most popular junk foods among Americans, assessing their average calorie, fat, and sugar content to determine which foods are the least healthy.

Pizza emerged as the most popular food item, with over 6 million searches each month. However, it is also one of the unhealthiest options, averaging 1,200 calories—half of the recommended daily intake—and 55 grams of fat, exceeding the daily recommended amount.

Despite these concerning statistics, the United States is not the country with the highest obesity rates; smaller nations like Tonga and Samoa rank higher. In the survey, tacos and steak followed pizza, with 1.8 million and 550,000 searches, respectively. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and fried chicken tied for fifth place, with each serving ranging from 150 to 500 calories.

The report highlights that the increasing prevalence of cheap, high-calorie foods and large portion sizes could be driving the obesity crisis. Dr. Jamie Winn, a pharmacist at Universal Drugstore, stated, “While we are fortunate to have access to a wide variety of delicious food options, this abundance can lead to overconsumption. High-calorie, low-nutrient foods are a primary cause of obesity, which occurs when calorie intake exceeds expenditure.”

Dr. Winn emphasized the public health concerns associated with obesity, including its links to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The analysis included survey data from YouGov, which asked Americans about their favorite foods in 2024. Universal Drugstore then evaluated the average annual searches using Google Ads Keyword Planner to compile a list of the most popular dishes in the U.S.

Researchers used the USDA's FoodData Central database to assess the average calories, fat, and sugars in each food item. While pizza was the most sought-after food, it was also found to be the least healthy. An average frozen cheese pizza contains approximately 1,210 calories, which is more than half of the USDA's recommended daily limit of 2,000 calories. However, this total is typically split among at least two people, with each serving averaging around 120 to 150 calories per slice.

Pizza's dominance is notable in 37 states, including major cities like New York and Chicago, as well as Midwestern states where obesity rates range between 30% and 40%. With 55 grams of fat per pizza, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that no more than 20-35% of daily calories should come from fat. For a 2,000-calorie diet, this amounts to about 20-30 grams per day.

The report does not specify how much of the fat in pizza is saturated, which is associated with foods like butter, cheese, and cream and linked to high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. Pizza also contains the highest sugar content, with 16 grams per pie—equivalent to five Chips Ahoy! cookies or one and a half Krispy Kreme donuts. The American Heart Association recommends a maximum of 24 grams of added sugar for women and 36 grams for men.

Chili was the second most popular food with around 2.7 million monthly searches, containing 286 calories per bowl, similar to two slices of pizza. Tacos ranked third with 1.8 million searches, offering 615 calories, 18 grams of fat, and four grams of sugar per serving. Steak, hamburgers, and hot dogs rounded out the top five, with calorie counts ranging from 148 to 418.

The findings urge Americans to consume these popular foods in moderation to combat obesity and reduce excess calorie, fat, and sugar intake. Dr. Winn emphasized, “A balanced diet is crucial in reducing the risks associated with obesity and overconsumption. It involves eating a variety of foods in the right proportions, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary nutrients for good health.”