Frequency of eating at fast food restaurants in the USA 2003-2013

The bar chart illustrates the frequency with which individuals in the USA visited fast food restaurants over a decade, spanning from 2003 to 2013.

Overall, the majority of Americans consumed fast food at least once a week or once a month throughout the period, with the most significant fluctuations occurring in the 'once a week' and 'once or twice a month' categories.

In 2003, 31% of people ate fast food once a week, a figure that peaked at 33% in 2006 before declining to 28% by 2013. Conversely, the proportion of those eating at these establishments once or twice a month stood at 30% in 2003, dipped to 25% in 2006, and subsequently rose to 33% in 2013, making it the most common frequency by the end of the period.

Regarding other categories, the percentage of people eating fast food several times a week fluctuated, starting at 17%, rising to 20% in 2006, and falling to 16% in 2013. Meanwhile, those who visited a few times a year saw a steady increase from 13% in 2003 to 15% in both 2006 and 2013. Daily consumption and never eating fast food remained the least popular options, consistently accounting for 5% or less of the population throughout the decade.