AbstractIntroduction: Overweight and obesity have also been reported to be associated with a variety of lifestyle factors, among which eating pattern and eating behaviour have long been identified as a factor. Pattern of consumption of fast foods and their perception of this practice as a risk factor for obesity among university undergraduates have not been fully explored. Hence, this study was designed to assess fast food consumption pattern and the perception of it as a risk factor for obesity among undergraduates.
Materials and Methods: This is a questionnaire-based study, which contained 48 questions relating to the socio-demographic characteristics; knowledge about fastfoods and pattern of its consumption and eating behavior, was used for the survey. A total of 250 subjects who gave a history of fast food consumption for a minimum period of one year belong to the age group of 18 to 30 years were recruited.
Results: The association between fast food consumption and the development of obesity was negatively correlated in undergraduate university students. The snack after dinner was also found to be negatively correlated (p=0.028) with the fast food consumption and the development of obesity.
Conclusion: This study showed the level ofawareness of fast food consumption among the undergraduates and its riskfor developing obesity. Therefore, this study emphasizes the promotion of healthy dietary intake and food choices while highlighting the harmful effects of excessiveconsumption of fast foods.
Keywords: Fast Food Consumption; Obesity; University Undergraduates.