Fast food is fast, cheap, and everywhere. But if you’re still telling yourself it’s “not that bad,” you may want to read this sitting down—preferably not with a Triple Baconator in hand.
A new ranking from World Atlas has named the 10 least healthy fast food chains in the U.S., and Wendy’s takes the top (or bottom) spot. According to the report, some menu items at the Ohio-based chain contain enough fat, sodium, and sugar to blow past daily limits in a single meal.
It’s not just the obvious offenders, either. Beyond its 2,000+ calorie bacon-loaded burgers and Frosty-fueled combos, the brand’s value menus and late-night hours were cited as encouraging repeat visits—and overeating. One seasonal sandwich alone reportedly pushes 1,500 calories. Add fries and a drink, and you’re in all-day damage territory.
Sonic, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, and KFC round out the top five, each offering their own flavor of excess. Sonic’s peanut butter shake alone clocks in at 1,720 calories. Taco Bell’s burritos routinely approach 1,000. Even chains known for smaller portions, like Dairy Queen, serve up meals with more sodium than some people should consume in 48 hours.
Interestingly, Chick-fil-A, which often markets itself as the cleaner, lighter option, still landed at No. 10 on the list. Despite the perception of wholesomeness, World Atlas points out that a Cobb Salad there contains over 800 calories, and lemonade or shakes can quietly double your intake. Even the grilled options, they note, aren’t exactly low-fat when paired with waffle fries and sweet tea.
The rankings come at a time when over 40% of U.S. adults are classified as obese, according to the CDC. That number rises every year, and fast food’s role in it remains a point of national debate. While some chains have added salads and low-calorie wraps to their menus, the items driving revenue often remain the biggest calorie bombs.
Wendy’s responded to the criticism by highlighting customizable options and ingredient quality. And sure, technically, you could order a baked potato and side salad. But that’s not what gets advertised on billboards. It’s the towering stacks of meat, the combo deals, the 44-ounce drinks. That’s what sells.
The truth is, fast food isn’t pretending to be healthy anymore. It just wants to be convenient, craveable, and constant. And judging by these numbers, it’s doing a pretty good job at all three—health risks included.