South Africa, Sept. 30 -- A weekly habit, not an occasional indulgence

Weekly eaters are the dominant group, at 53% of adults, with a further 35% eating fast food at least once a month. Only 12% fall into the low-or-never category. The data suggests that fast food has moved from an occasional exception to a fixture in the household routine, competing for a guaranteed slot in the weekly budget rather than a once-in-a-while treat allowance.

Convenience drives the heaviest users

43% of respondents agree it's more convenient to eat on the go than to sit down for a meal, 34% disagree, and 23% sit on the fence - showing a population still working out how it wants to eat. Among weekly fast-food eaters specifically, agreement climbs to 49%, ag...