Frequency Of Fast Food Consumption Research Articles

Prevalence and Determinants of Hypertension Among Urban School Teachers in Patna, India

Background: Hypertension, a major cause of cardiovascular disease, is increasingly common among urban professionals, including school teachers, who face unique stressors and lifestyle challenges. Understanding these factors is essential for developing targeted health interventions. This study aims to determine the prevalence and key determinants of hypertension among government school teachers in Patna. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2021 to October 2022 with 1321 teachers from 325 urban schools in Patna. The sample size was calculated based on a 45.4% estimated hypertension prevalence, with a 3% margin of error and 20% non-response rate. Teachers were selected using stratified sampling with probability proportional to size. Results: Of the 1283 respondents, 61.34% were male and 38.66% female. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 14.1%, higher in males (15.5%) than females (11.9%). Hypertension was significantly associated with frequent fast-food consumption, extra salt intake, tobacco use, stress, and higher BMI (p<0.05), though not with age, gender, physical activity, or depression. Conclusions: Improving dietary habits, reducing tobacco use, and managing BMI among teachers can significantly reduce hypertension. Healthier teachers create a better teaching environment, positively impacting student learning outcomes and enhancing the overall educational experience.

The Relationship Between Perceived Body Image, Frequency of Fast Food Consumption, and Nutritional Status

The Relationship Between Perceived Body Image, Frequency of Fast Food Consumption, and Nutritional Status

The relationship between smartphone usage and eating behavior for elementary school students in Gangneung, South Korea: cross-sectional study

Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between smartphone usage and eating behavior among elementary school students. Methods: This survey was conducted on 4th- to 6th-grade students at elementary schools in Gangneung from September 6th to September 15th, 2023. Of the 129 copies of the questionnaire that were distributed to 5 schools, 66 copies (51.2%) were returned. Results: Compared to the nationwide statistics, the smartphone ownership rate of elementary school students in Gangneung was lower, but the rate of smartphone overdependence was higher. Smartphone dependence was 21.12 points for study subjects and 26.00 points for the overdependence risk group (Org). Compared to national statistics, the self-control failure factor was higher, so study participants in Gangneung City are thought to have great difficulty with self-control. The Org’s weekend smartphone use time of 7.54 hours was significantly more than the general user group (Gug)’s 4.06 hours. The number of days in which the Org consumed late-night snacks per week was 2.92 days, and the Gug had 2.15 days, but the difference was not significant. Eating fast food showed a positive correlation with eating sweet food, eating fatty food, and eating heavily seasoned food. It was found that frequent consumption of fast food is closely correlated with unhealthy eating behavior. Weekend smartphone use time showed a significant positive correlation with smartphone dependence and the number of days late-night snacks consumed per week. Conclusions: Study participants in Gangneung are more dependent on smartphones than national statistics. Smartphone dependence had a negative correlation with healthy eating behavior and a correlation with average unhealthy eating behavior.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE HABIT OF CONSUMING FAST FOOD AND THE INCIDENCE OF OBESITY IN ADOLESCENTS AT SMAN 15 BEKASI CITY

Obesity is a condition where body fat is more than the energy used. Obesity can be caused by several factors, one of which is the frequency of frequent consumption of fast food. Fast food or commonly called fast food is a food that contains high sugar, low fiber as well as preservatives and coloring.This study aims to determine the correlation between the habit of consuming fast food with the incidence of obesity in adolescents at SMAN 15 Bekasi City.The research method used is quantitative with a cross sectional type of research. The population in this study were teenagers in class XI IPS at SMAN 15 Bekasi City and a sample of 92 students. The data collection technique was using simple random sampling. Statistical test using chi square test with the results of respondents who have the habit of consuming fast food (fast food) high category as many as 45 (48,9%) and respondents with obesity incidence as many as 60 (65,2%) obtained p value (0,000) < α value (0,05).There is a correlation between the habit of consuming fast food with the incidence of obesity in adolescents at SMAN 15 Bekasi City.

Fast Food Consumption Patterns Nutritional Status and Anemia Among Female

This study aims to analyze the patterns of fastfood consumption, nutritional status, and prevalence of anemia among female students in the Nutrition Department of Poltekkes Medan. An observational method with a cross-sectional design was used on 73 female students. Data on the frequency of fastFood consumption was collected using a semi-quantitative FFQ, nutritional status was assessed based on BMI, and hemoglobin levels were measured using the Cyanmethemoglobin method. The results showed that 45.20% of respondents frequently consumed fast food, with an obesity prevalence of 35.70% and anemia prevalence of 35.60%. There was a significant relationship between fast food consumption and nutritional status (p=0.042), but not with anemia status (p=0.540). In conclusion high fastfood consumption correlates with obesity and anemia. Efforts are needed to increase the availability of healthy food on campus and further research on the long-term impact of ast Food consumption on student health.

Impact of Globalization on Consumer Food Behaviour: A Comprehensive Review

The current market dynamics, including consumer food behaviour, are profoundly influenced by the processes of civilizational and cultural evolution, as well as the ongoing globalization phenomena. The discourse begins with an exploration of the theoretical underpinnings of globalization and its intersection with consumer food behaviour. It further delves into the broader phenomenon of globalization in the contemporary era and elucidates its specific impacts on the dietary and purchasing habits of consumers. The reviewed studies indicate that globalization has significantly influenced various aspects of consumer food behaviour. These include changes in grocery shopping patterns, an increased frequency of fast food consumption, and a heightened interest in both comfort foods and novel dining experiences. The pervasive reach of global media, multinational food corporations, and international supply chains has facilitated the widespread availability and popularity of diverse food products and dining practices across different cultures and regions. However, globalization's impact is not unidirectional. It has also catalysed the emergence of counter-movements and alternative consumer attitudes. There is a growing preference for locally sourced and environmentally sustainable food products, reflecting a backlash against the perceived homogenizing effects of globalization. Movements such as the Slow Food movement advocate for traditional and regional cuisine as a means of preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, heightened awareness of food safety and quality has led to an increased demand for organic and non-genetically modified food products.

Prevalence of overweight/obesity, and associated factors among adolescents aged 12 ∼ 15 in Shandong Province, China: A cross-sectional study

Overweight/obesity among adolescents in Shandong Province, China, has been rising, posing significant public health challenge. Comprehensive investigation is needed to develop effective interventions. Following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines, a stratified random cluster sampling approach was used from September to October 2023 across 17 cities in Shandong Province. The study included 165 middle schools, surveying 99,638 students aged 12 ∼ 15. After applying exclusion criteria, 97,356 students (97.71% effective rate) completed anthropometric measurements and questionnaires. Overweight/obesity were assessed based on national and international standards. Univariable chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze factors influencing overweight/obesity. In 2023, the overweight/obesity rate among 12 ∼ 15-year-olds in Shandong was 19.75%. Significant factors included sex, age, residence, family income, parental weight status and activity, mother’s gestational diabetes history, birth weight, physical activity, sleep, screen time, homework, and diet. Girls, older adolescents, and those with physically active parents or who themselves engaged in over 1.5 hours of daily physical activity had lower odds of being overweight/obese. Adequate sleep and frequent consumption of vegetable and fruit were also protective. Higher odds were associated with urban residence, high family income, overweight/obese parents, maternal gestational diabetes, high birth weight, excessive screen time, extensive homework, and frequent fast food consumption. Overweight/obesity in Shandong adolescents is influenced by multiple determinants. Holistic interventions addressing genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors are essential for promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the prevalence in this demographic.

Relation Between Fast Food and Preservative Consumption with Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain in A Gymnastics Group in Bandung City

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in the form of joint inflammation in adults. Based on the 2018 WHO report, it shows that there are 335 million people in the world who have rheumatism, of which 5-10% are aged 5-20 years and 20% are aged 55 years. Factors that can cause pain in rheumatoid arthritis are dietary factors, one of which is frequent consumption of fast food and preserved foods. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of consumption of fast food and preserved foods to rheumatoid arthritis complaints in two gymnastics groups in Bandung City.Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 30 gymnastic ladies taken by purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test with IBM SPSS Statistic 21 software.Results: Based on the results of the analysis that has been done, there is no relationship between age, educational history, consumption of fast food and preserved food with rheumatoid arthritis complaints in the group of gymnastics ladies in Bandung City (p0,05).Conclusions: The absence of an association among age, educational history, consumption of fast food and preserved foods with rheumatoid arthritis complaints can be due to other factors outside of these factors such as genetics, gender, obesity, infectious diseases, and lack of knowledge about rheumatoid arthritis. What's more, rheumatoid arthritis is also a multifactorial disease, so we need to wisely maintain and regulate his, her, their, etc lifestyle and food intake so that rheumatoid arthritis complaints can be minimized and do not have recurrences.

The Effect of Childhood Nutritional Status Changes with Pre-Diabetes And Diabetes Risk among Adolescents: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The first 1000 days of life and before the age of five years is a critical period of nutritional opportunity and vulnerabilitya. Only few have studies that trace individuals from childhood to adolescence examined the influence of childhood undernutrition on diabetes risk. This research was a retrospective cohort study using secondary data from IFLS (Indonesian Family Life Survey) involving 373 adolescents at IFLS-5 (2014) that folllowed at IFLS-3 (2000) and at IFLS-2 (1997). The effect of childhood undernutrition on the risk of pre-diabetes and diabetes in adolescents was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. The results of this study showed that the prevalence of pre-diabetes was 12.6% and diabetes was 15.0%. The risk factor for pre-diabetes is frequent consumption of fast food (aOR=4.38). Meanwhile, recovering from stunting was a protective factor in adolescents (aOR=0.05). Risk factors for diabetes were stunting (aOR=2.71), deteriorated nutritional status during childhood (aOR=3.85), experienced wasting during childhood (aOR=3.55), and frequent fast food consumption (aOR=3.11). Meanwhile, vegetable consumption was a protective factor of diabetes (aOR=0.37). In conclusion, this study showed that childhood undernutrition on the risk of diabetes. Improvement point is through nutrition programs in childhood and adolescence.

Associations between the objective and perceived food environment and eating behavior in relation to socioeconomic status among adults in peri-urban settings: results from the CIVISANO study in Flanders, Belgium

Obesity, a significant public health concern, disproportionately affects people with lower socioeconomic status (SES). Food environments have been identified as part of the causal chain of this disparity. This study investigated variations in the food environment across groups with different SES profiles residing in peri-urban municipal settings. In addition, it examined the association of the perceived and objective food environments with eating behaviour and assessed if these associations were moderated by SES. Utilizing GIS and survey data (n = 497, aged 25–65), results showed differences in the objective and perceived food environments based on SES. Respondents with higher SES perceived their food environments as better but resided farther from all food outlets compared to respondents with lower SES. However, there was no difference in outlet density or mRFEI between SES groups. SES moderated associations between the objective and perceived food environments and most eating behavior outcomes except fast food consumption frequency. For fruits and vegetables, SES moderated the association between neighborhood availability and consumption frequency (β0.23,CI0.03;0.49). Stratified analysis revealed a positive association for both lower (β0.15, CI0.03;0.27) and higher (β0.37, CI 0.12;0.63) SES groups. For snack foods, SES moderated the association between healthy outlet density and consumption frequency (β-0.60, CI-0.94; -0.23), showing statistical significance only for respondents with higher SES (β0.36,CI 0.18;0.55). Similarly, for sugar-sweetened beverages, a statistically significant interaction was observed between unhealthy outlet density in the 1000m buffer and consumption frequency (β 0.06, CI 0.02; 0.11). However, this association was only statistically significant for respondents with higher SES (β-0.02,CI -0.05;-0.0002). These results emphasize the significance of SES as a crucial element in comprehending the connection between the food environment and eating behaviour. Indicating the need for policymakers to take SES into account when implementing food environment interventions, particularly when focusing on the neighborhood food environment without considering residents’ SES and their perceptions.

Pattern of Fast Food and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Consumption among Students of Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore

Objective: To assess fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages consumption patterns among medical studentsalong with associated factors and to determine the association between intake of these items and body massindex.Study Design: Cross-sectional study.Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Community Medicine, LahoreMedical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan from May 2023 to September 2023.Methods: A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit 146 MBBS students. Using a structuredquestionnaire, information was obtained on the background of participants, fast food and sugar-sweetenedbeverages consumption, and their body mass index. Chi-square test was applied to find an association betweenvariables with p ≤ 0.05 taken as significant.Results: The study included 60% females and 52% boarders. Mothers of 6% of students and fathers of 12% ofstudents were doctors. The mean body mass index was 22.43±3.51. Frequent consumption of fast food was36% and of sugar-sweetened beverages was 12%. The most frequently consumed items were salty snacks (77%)and regular soda (67%). A significant relationship was found between fast food consumption with residence,the mother's profession, and awareness about nutritional information. Consumption of sugar-sweetenedbeverages was significantly related to gender and knowledge about the harmful effects of these beverages. Thebody mass index of students significantly increased with an increase in the use of sugar-sweetened beveragesand was inversely associated with fast food consumption.Conclusion: Consumption of fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages was high among study participants.Salty snacks and soda drinks were frequently consumed items. There is an immediate need for national policiesand strategies to create a healthy dietary environment among students. How to cite this: Maqbool S, Daud S, Saad KAD, Ahmad MS, Idress B, Ejaz K. Pattern of Fast Food and Sugar Sweetened Beverages Consumption Among Students of Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore. Life and Science. 2024; 5(2): 172-180. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.621

OVERVIEW OF FOOD CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOR AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PATTERNS IN MODERN COMMUNITIES OF BOGOR CITY

The increasing level and lifestyle of society accompanied by the modernization of food industry technology has caused people to move away from natural foods and prefer fast food. Fast food is considered very practical, fast and easy to obtain so that it supports the lifestyle of modern society. This study aims to determine the description of food consumption behavior and healthy lifestyles in modern society in Bogor city. The method used was descriptive quantitative approach with data collection through interviews with questionnaires, the number of respondents was 200 people. Related to food consumption behavior, the results showed that most respondents, 62%, often consume fast food because it is practical and easy to obtain, 73.5% consume vegetables and fruit regularly and as many as 67.5% drink 8 glasses of water a day. Regarding a healthy lifestyle, 51% of respondents exercise regularly, 74% cook their own food, 76.5% rarely read labels when buying packaged food products, 54% have sufficient knowledge to distinguish healthy and unhealthy foods, 86% of respondents agree to pay attention to nutritional intake in daily consumption, and 76.5% rarely search for information related to healthy food. Despite exercising regularly and regularly consuming vegetables and fruits, frequent consumption of fast food can cause nutrition and health problems in the future. Self-education related to healthy food accompanied by concrete actions in daily food choices is needed to maintain health and quality of life.

Clustering of lifestyle risk factors in relation to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adolescents: a cross-national study of 45 low- and middle-income countries

BackgroundPrior research has reaffirmed lifestyle risk behaviors to cluster among adolescents. However, the lifestyle cluster effect on suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) was unclear among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). No comparison of such associations was conducted across nations.MethodsData from 45 LMICs were obtained from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) between 2009 and 2019. Lifestyle behavior factors were collected through a structured questionnaire. Suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt were ascertained by three single-item questions. Lifestyle risk scores were calculated via a sufficient dimension reduction technique, and lifestyle risk clusters were constructed using a latent class analysis. Generalized linear mixed models with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the lifestyle-STB associations.ResultsA total of 229,041 adolescents were included in the final analysis. The weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt was 7.37%, 5.81%, and 4.59%, respectively. Compared with the favorable lifestyle group, the unfavorable group had 1.48-, 1.53-, and 3.11-fold greater odds of suicidal ideation (OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.30–1.69), plan (OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.34–1.75), and attempt (OR = 3.11, 95%CI 2.64–3.65). Four clusters of lifestyle risk behaviors were identified, namely healthy lifestyles (H–L), insufficient intake of vegetables and fruit (V-F), frequent consumption of soft drinks and fast food (D-F), and tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking (S-A) clusters. Compared with H–L cluster, V-F cluster was associated with 43% and 42% higher odds of suicidal ideation and plan, followed by S-A cluster (26% for ideation and 20% for plan), but not significant in D-F cluster (P > 0.05). D-F cluster was associated with 2.85-fold increased odds of suicidal attempt, followed by V-F cluster (2.43-fold) and S-A cluster (1.18-fold).ConclusionsClustering of lifestyle risk behaviors is informative for risk stratification of STBs in resource-poor settings. Lifestyle-oriented suicide prevention efforts should be initiated among school-attending adolescents in LMICs.

Literature Review: Relationship of Lifestyle with Incidence of Primary Dysmenorrhea in College Students

Introduction: Menstruation is periodic and cyclic bleeding from the uterus, accompanied by endometrial desquamation. In specific individuals, menstruation can cause pain called dysmenorrhea, which is characterized by mild, moderate, and severe menstrual pain. Primary dysmenorrhea is not a life-threatening disorder, but it can hurt women's quality of life. Prevalence of menopause in Indonesia An estimated 55% of women of reproductive age experience pain during menstruation. Material and Methods: We searched articles published from 2014-2020 in PubMed, Proquest, and Google Scholar with the keywords "primary dysmenorrhea” AND “student lifestyle”. All data were gathered and analyzed. Results: The results showed that 8 articles showed the relationship between lifestyle and the occurrence of primary menstrual pain among female students. In comparison, the other two articles show that there is no relationship between lifestyle and primary dysmenorrhea in female students. Conclusion: This study concludes that an unhealthy lifestyle, such as high stress levels, infrequent exercise, and frequent consumption of fast food, is effective for primary dysmenorrhea during menstruation.

Factors That Most Influence the Choice for Fast Food in a Sample of Higher Education Students in Portugal.

The frequency of fast food consumption among higher education students is high, causing worrying implications for public health. This study aims to relate the factors that influence the choice for fast food with social factors, nutritional status, and fast food consumption in a sample of higher education students in Portugal. An online questionnaire was developed and disseminated by social networks among students during the first half of 2023. Two hundred and thirty-seven students participated, mainly female (65.4%), who were attending public higher education institutions (59.1%), with a median of age of 20.0 (19.0; 22.0) years, and about 20% of the sample had overweight. Approximately 80% consumed fast food, and almost 40% consumed it more than once or twice a week. Predominantly (78.0%), they chose hamburger meals, spending EUR 8.0 per meal. The factors that most influenced the choice of fast food were ease or convenience of preparation (59.9%), price (48.5%), and flavor (28.3%). There were also differences between sexes and between those attending public and private higher education institutions regarding whether they usually consume fast food or not. The body mass index was positively associated with age (r: 0.142; p = 0.029) and with fast food spending (r: 0.146; p = 0.024). The results have implications for public health and clinical nutrition, and can support more effective strategies to improve food choices in higher education students.

Studi Literatur Pola Makan dan Pola Aktivitas Fisik pada Remaja dengan Obesitas di Indonesia

The nutritional problem in Indonesia in modern times is still complex. One of them is obesity that can occur in children, adolescents, and adults. Obesity can be caused by technological developments and consumption patterns of fast food, which is a lifestyle that causes a decrease in physical activity. This literature aims to describe the diet and physical activity patterns that cause obesity. The sources of journals/ articles used in the search for relevant databases were obtained through PubMed, Science Direct, Sinta, and Google Scholar with the 2015-2020 publication years and were traced using a combination of search terms for adolescent diet, adolescent obesity, and adolescent activity patterns. Then, it was analyzed using the PRISMA diagram method with four stages, namely identification, screening, feasibility, and insertion. This review identified that adolescents have a poor diet and often do light physical activity which causes obesity due to frequent consumption of fast food, high fat, high protein, and carbohydrates, eating at nighttime and excessive portions, not eating breakfast, often doing light activities such as watching tv, mopping and others and rarely exercising. The conclusion is that the energy coverage both the frequency, type, and amount needed with physical activity, both light, moderate and heavy, still needs to be studied more deeply. The importance of imparting nutritional knowledge in early childhood so that they can support life in the future.

A Comparison between Attitudes and Knowledge Towards Fast-Food and Probiotics of Undergraduates

Consumption of fast-food is increasing rapidly, whereas fast-food does not provide enough nutrients. Probiotics contribute to optimal nutrition and health benefits. This study aims to evaluate the consumption frequency, habits, and knowledge regarding fast-food and probiotics among undergraduates. We used a face-to-face interview method to obtain the data from 405 undergraduates aged 18-24 studying in Konya, Turkey. There were 46.9% of males and 53.1% of females, with an average Body Mass Index (BMI) of 22.3±0.168 kg/m2. A difference was detected in BMI according to gender (p 0.000). There were 84% of the students consuming at least one fast food a day, and 58.5% consumed probiotics daily. Statistically, there was no significance between the frequency of fast-food (p 0.456) and probiotic (p 0.680) consumption for BMI. The fast-food knowledge scores differ according to BMI (p 0.004). Probiotic knowledge scores of the overweight and obese group were lower than the other groups. A negative correlation between fast-food knowledge and BMI was (R2 - 0.011). A positive correlation between probiotic knowledge and BMI was (R2 0.034). Undergraduates consumed fast-food at high frequency, and they also know about probiotics. Nevertheless, the level of knowledge about both fast food and probiotics should be increased.

Fast food consumption and its relationship with oral health among US adults: A cross-sectional NHANES-based study

This study aimed to assess the link between fast-food consumption and oral health outcomes as measured by the mean number of decayed, missing due to dental disease, or filled permanent teeth (DMFT) and teeth with untreated dental caries. This study utilized data obtained from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES). The data used was collected from 11,288 participants aged 20 and above from 2015 to 2018. The frequency of fast-food consumption was divided into two groups: “less than two meals over the past seven days” and “two meals or more over the past seven days.” The mean number of DMFT and teeth with untreated dental caries were used to assess the participants’ oral health. The link between fast-food consumption and these mean values was explored using Poisson regression analysis, in which confounding variables such as income, race, age, and sex were adjusted for. After adjusting for these variables, the results revealed that individuals who reported consuming two or more fast-food meals during the preceding seven days had higher mean numbers of DMFT and teeth with untreated dental caries compared to those who consumed less than two fast-food meals during the same period (adjusted mean ratio = 1.05; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.10 and mean ratio = 1.22; 95 % CI 1.01–1.47, respectively). Conclusion: This study revealed a link between poor oral health outcomes and fast-food consumption. Consequently, public health officials must focus on fast-food settings and availability of high-sugar-content items. Interventions that target fast-food outlets and what they offer may have a positive impact on oral health.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN OBESITY INDUCED HYPERTENSION AND CONSUMPTION OF JUNK FOOD AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS OF DISTRICT SIALKOT

The principal cause of early death throughout the world is cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It has been found that, in young adults, high blood pressure (BP) is considered a significant public health concern, with approximately 26.4% of global prevalence. A diet containing junk food is the preliminary cause of obesity, which leads to hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases in adults. The risk factors are prevailing at an alarming rate and have affected university students' physical and mental health. Moreover, these health concerns have caused low productivity among students as well. This problem has not been studied and analyzed in sufficient profundity. This cross-sectional and correlational study investigated the relationship between fast food consumption, obesity, and hypertension among university students. This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample size of three hundred participants aged twenty-five to forty. To calculate the BMI, the weight and height of the participants were measured, along with the measurements of their systolic and diastolic blood pressure and age, through standard tools and procedures. Their dietary intake was assessed using a questionnaire of food intake that records a 168-hour food intake. The study results revealed that significant positive correlations of high strength between fast food consumption and obesity were found using Spearman rank order correlations (rs = 0.81) and moderate strength of positive correlation between frequent fast-food consumption and hypertension (rs = 0.58). The resultant conclusion of the study shows that junk food is strongly linked with obesity and prehypertension. The findings of the study can reduce the prevalence of obesity and hypertension.

Caffeine intake and its association with nutrition, sleep, and physical activity among schoolchildren in the United Arab Emirates: a national cross-sectional study.

Recent surveys indicate a significant increase in total caffeine intake among schoolchildren. Limited research has been published concerning the total intake of caffeine among schoolchildren in the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE. This cross-sectional survey estimated the total caffeine intake from foods and beverages among 10,275 schoolchildren in the UAE. Caffeine intakes were related to the European Food Safety Authority's level of no safety concern (3.0 mg/kg BW) and level of effects on sleep (1.4 mg/kg BW). More than half (56.2%) of the students consumed more than 100 mg (the upper limit allowed) of caffeine from dietary sources. High intake of caffeine (> 100 mg/day) was significantly associated (p = 0.001) with reduced sleep duration, difficulty falling asleep, infrequent exercising, using smart devices for more than 2 h a day, getting a lower GPA, skipping breakfast, eating fewer servings of vegetables than recommended, frequent consumption of fast food and more frequent snack consumption. Excessive intake of caffeine from different dietary sources coexists with unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors and sleep problems. Tailoring educational programs and intervention strategies is warranted to correct the unhealthy intake of caffeine and the associated unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors among schoolchildren in the UAE.