These 10 fast-food items pack the most calories

"Life's a Great Balancing Act," according to Dr. Seuss, and I couldn't agree more, which is why I exercise (a lot) but refuse to deny myself the pleasures of champagne at weekly happy hours or a delicious drive-thru burger or taco from time to time.

Although most will agree that those aren't the healthiest food choices, I must admit they are some of my favorites. And I'm not alone, considering that 84.8 million American adults consume fast food at least one day per week. That means we are likely getting over 300,000 calories per year from fast food — at least that's what ChatGPT told me. (Hey, I'm a writer, not a mathematician.)

If you've ever wondered which fast-food menus pack the most calories, your wait is over, thanks to pricelisto.com's latest study revealing that Hardee's tops the list for the unhealthiest menu item. Its "12 Piece and 6 Biscuits" contains 6,490 calories, which is over three times the number of daily calories recommended for the average adult. (Hey, I'm not judging, but the "More you know," right?)

Papa John's came in second with its Philly Cheesesteak XL Stuffed Crust hitting 4,590 calories, and Moe's (Southwest Grill) Nachos, which could have up to 4,334 calories when all toppings are added took third. Little Caesars' Detroit Style 5 Meat Feast Deep Dish Speciality Pizza came in fourth place with 3,500 calories, and Pizza Hut's Loaded Pepperoni Feast Large Cheesy Bites Pizza ( 3,153 calories) took fifth.

"From a financial perspective, fast food chains can help support local economies by creating jobs and stimulating economic activity," according to one of the study's authors. "However, the high levels of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats in fast food can contribute to poor dietary habits and health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes if consumed too regularly."

What I found interesting was that McDonald's, Burger King and KFC didn't make the Top 10 despite being three of the most popular fast-food restaurants in the country. Instead, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's, Checkers and Rally's, Culvers and Shake Shack rounded out the Top 10.