Impact of Junk Food Consumption Pattern on the Nutritional Status of Adolescents Aged between 13 and 18 Years

Abstract

Nutrition is the cornerstone for human health and growth throughout the life cycle. Today, about one-third of the world’s population suffers from a lack of proper nutrition, making it one of the most severe issues facing the worldwide society. Fast food consumption is common among adolescents globally, and it is increasing in low and middle-income countries. This present study aimed to compare the nutritional status and fast-food consumption patterns of adolescent girls aged between 13 and 18 years. It is a cross-sectional and descriptive study that included 100 adolescents, assessed the anthropometry, and elicited information on activity patterns, dietary profile, and fast-food consumption patterns by structured interview schedule. The results revealed that the junk food consumption impacts the health and nutritional status of school-aged adolescents, perhaps contributing to poor growth outcomes. This study offers new insight for formulating research studies for future researchers.