Metabolic Syndrome

• According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the typical Western diet is thought to be directly related to the high rate of obesity and metabolic syndrome in the United States. A person is defined as having metabolic syndrome when he has three or more cardiovascular risk factors, including increased fasting glucose levels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and an increased waist circumference.
  
  

Early Onset Puberty

• As of 2010, researchers are studying the link between food and the early onset of puberty in girls and the Western diet. Hormones and other additives in corn-fed livestock are thought to be one cause of females' natural puberty clock going off earlier than was documented just two decades ago.
  
  

Fast Food Link

• The fast food restaurants which started dotting the American landscape in the last century have greatly contributed to the image of the Western diet. As of 2010, the big name chain restaurants are trying to incorporate more health-conscious choices, such as fruit and salad, into their menus.