In a peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Eating Disorders in August, researchers at the University of Toronto analyzed a sample of 2,717 young people.

The study found that most fast food meals range from 1000 to 1499 calories, and women often tend towards salty and sweet foods, while men share foods that contain higher amounts of protein.

Among a sample of adults aged 16 to 30, researchers found that more than half of the participants said they engaged in at least one fast food meal over the course of a year. Among the eating disorders associated with these habits are binge eating, compulsive exercising, and fasting behaviors.

The study found that men were more likely to consume fast food, which often leads to higher rates of binge eating to control their weight or shape, and researchers say this is likely due to men's health culture that promotes intense training and high-calorie meals for muscle growth.

Lead author and assistant professor at the University of Toronto Kyle Johnson said in a press release: "Clinicians should be aware of the common occurrence of fast food among adolescents and young adults and the permissive nature of these behaviors in fitness communities and on social media."