How Has Fast Food Changed Since 1986?

Yes, you can now find salad entrées and fruit side dishes at virtually every fast food establishment, but for the most part, the meals have gotten a lot less healthy over the last 30 years.

According to a new study conducted by researchers at Boston University and Tufts, looking at 1,787 dishes at 10 of the largest chains, the meals have gotten larger, saltier, and heavier.

Publishing their research in The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, they found “the average entree weighed 39 grams more in 2016 than in 1986 and had 90 more calories,” packing in a full 41.6% of a person’s allowance of sodium.

Lead researcher Megan A. McCrory notes that “the changes have gotten worse,” despite the lighter fare offerings.