Prevalence Of Fast Food Consumption Research Articles

A bangladesi diákok cukorbetegséggel, magas vérnyomással, fizikai aktivitással és étkezési szokásokkal kapcsolatos ismeretei: Egy keresztmetszeti vizsgálat

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge about non-communicable diseases among college students has not been explored in Bangladesh, which is a growing concern for the country. This study aims to explore the knowledge level of two common non-communicable diseases: diabetes and hypertension, among college students. This study also aimed to explore the patterns of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and eating habits among them. The overall findings based on this study will provide a good source of information for implementing any intervention if required in the future. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 651 students aged between 14 and 17 years with a self-administered questionnaire between March and May 2019 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Descriptive studies, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were done according to the association of the variables. All data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20. RESULTS: The study reported that 60.4% of students belonged to the older (16+ years) age group. 66.2% of students were from the science faculty. 51% of students had normal BMI though female BMI was slightly higher than male (51.1% vs. 50.8%). Underweight was more prevalent among females (30.6% vs. 24.6%) and overweight was more prevalent among male students (24.6% vs. 18.3%). Knowledge on diabetes was slightly higher compared to hypertension though most of the correct answers in both disease knowledge came from science faculty students. Binary logistic regression analysis showed diabetes knowledge of business faculty students was 60% less (OR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.3-0.7; P = 0.001) and arts faculty students was 60% less (OR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.2-0.9; P < 0.05) comparing with science faculty students. It was found that males were more likely to participate in outdoor physical activities such as walking (74.2% vs. 62.7%), cycling (17.8% vs. 1.7%), and sports (39.8% vs. 5.8%) compared to females. However, females were found to have a higher participation rate in household chores at 75.7% while males had a participation rate of 62.3%. Female students spent more time on sedentary behavior than male students: sitting (89.4% vs. 78%); using social media (88.2% vs. 74.2%); watching YouTube (96.1% vs. 87.3%). The breakfast intake rate was higher among male students than female students (73.3% vs. 51.5%) and the skipping rate was higher among female students (48.9% vs. 26.7%). The situation was the same for lunch and supper intake. However, the fast-food consumption rate was slightly higher among male than female students (78.4% vs. 73.5%). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study reported overall knowledge of diabetes and hypertension was good among students though most of the correct answers came from science faculty students compared to the other group. Male involvement in outdoor physical activity was significantly higher than female students but, female students spent more time on sedentary behaviour. Male students had a higher prevalence of regular meal intake than female students. However, male students also showed more prevalence of fast-food consumption and overweight status. The findings of this study could be useful for designing appropriate health promotion interventions.

Practice of Fast Food Consumption among University Students and Variables Associated with the Practice

Fast food consumption is one of the most well-known aspects practiced among different societies, being especially popular among children and adolescents. The significance of this study is to analyse college students' knowledge about fast food consumption and find determinant factors along with the prevalence of fast-food consumption among the students of Gulf Medical University. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 400 students at Gulf Medical University. Self-administered structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Out of 400 participants included in the research, 89.25% ate fast food; out of those, 77.5% believed that fast food consumption might cause obesity, 20.2% consumed fast food 1-2 times a month, 84.4% participants expected to spend less than 50 AED on fast food meal, 72.6% said they choose fast food because they enjoyed its taste, 87.9% both ate fast food and worked out, and 66.7% stated that proximity of fast food restaurants determined whether they consume fast food instead of proper food. 89.3% of participants were aware that fast food was unhealthy. One of the main reasons for fast food consumption was the influence of friends. With increasing age, participants became concerned about health complications of fast-food consumption, such as stroke or liver disease. Participants heavily favoured fast food during late-night study sessions as it helped them stay awake. Moreover, participants who consumed fast food also packed sugary/salty snacks as lunches, probably to find a suitable substitution.

Prevalence of Fast Food Consumption among Medical Students in University of Cyberjaya

Background: This research aims to investigate the prevalence of fast food consumption among medical students at the University of Cyberjaya and identify socio-demographic factors influencing their dietary choices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 500 medical students. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, fast food consumption patterns, personal preferences, and access to fast food outlets. Results: Age and gender were not significant predictors of fast food consumption. However, family income, pocket money, personal preferences, and proximity to fast food outlets showed a significant association with fast food consumption. Students with higher family incomes and pocket money, along with a liking for fast food and easy access to fast food outlets, were more likely to consume fast food regularly. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of socio-demographic factors and environmental influences in determining fast food consumption among medical students. Health promotion efforts should target these factors to encourage healthier dietary habits among university populations.

Understanding the Perception of Generation Z towards Fast Food's Product Safety, Nutrition, and Health

Adolescence is crucial before the transition to adulthood, and developing healthy eating behaviours in early adolescence is vital for long-term health and well-being. The high prevalence of fast food consumption among the young generation leads to excessive weight. Hence, this study investigates how Generation Z perceives the CSR practices performed by fast food restaurants to ensure products' safety, nutrition, and health. The Theory of Stakeholder is employed to explain the responsibility of businesses to their stakeholders. 330 respondents responded to the survey. This study confirms that the four CSR dimensions influence fast food's product safety, nutrition, and health.

Risk Factors for Obesity and Overweight in Children and Adolescents from Romania


 The fact that more and more people are suffering from obesity and that this condition is more and more common among children is an alarm signal and some measures must be taken in this direction. Nowadays, the most incriminating factor responsible for the development of childhood obesity is the excessive consumption of fast food, sweets and juices, as at the market there is a wide range and easily accessible. This study aims to evaluate the association between frequent consumption of fast food and other lifestyle factors with the presence of obesity and overweight in children of different ages in Romania. Applying a questionnaire with 31 questions we collected data from 328 people, 170 boys and 158 girls, residing in Romania. The analysis of the data collected showed a higher number of overweight children, compared to the number of mothers who consider that their children are overweight, for this we identified the factors with potential obesity and we looked for the associations between the lifestyle and obesity. The higher prevalence of fast food consumption and sedentary activities among overweight and obese children, highlighted in this study, further confirms the need to promote health through education for healthy eating and lifestyle behavior.

Fast Food Intake, Emotional and Behavioral Problems among Adolescents with Overweight and Obese Problems Participating in MyBFF@school Intervention Program

The prevalence of fast food consumption and childhood obesity has increased rapidly. This study aimed to assess the association between the frequency of fast food consumption in the past week with emotional and behavioral problems of 624 adolescents with overweight and obese problems (mean age = 14.6). Frequency of fast food consumption was assessed through a pre-tested nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire. Meanwhile, the Youth Self-Report questionnaire was used to measure emotional and behavioral problems. Multiple linear regression was used to measure the strength of relationships. The strongest and significant positive correlation was reported between frequency of fast food consumption in the past week and aggressive behavior ( r = .65, p < .001). Weak but significant positive correlations were demonstrated between frequency of fast food intake in the past week with somatic complaints ( r = .328, p < .001) and attention problems ( r = .356, p < .001). Therefore, adolescents with obese and overweight problems and their parents should be instilled awareness about the association between fast food consumption and emotional and behavioral problems to achieve their psychological well-being.

Prevalence and factors related to obesity and fast food consumption among Mutah University students, Jordan.

To identify the prevalence and factors related to obesity and fast food consumption among university students. The cross-sectional study was conducted at Mutah University, Al-Karak governorate in southern Jordan, from January to April, 2019, and comprised students recruited from different faculties. Data was collected using a structured, validated questionnaire. Height and weight were measured for body mass index calculation. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Of the 503 students, 278(55.3%) were females. The overall mean age of the sample was 21.62±2.22 years (range: 19-39 years). Fast food consumption was ≥2 times/week for 299(59.4%) students. The prevalence was significantly higher among students spending ≥21 Jordanian dinar per week (p=0.020) and those who were not performing physical exercise (p=0.025). Significant correlations were found between fast food consumption and fried potato (p<0.001), processed meat products (p<0.001), coffee (p=0.006) and candies (p=0.039). No significant relation was found between fast food consumption and body mass index, religion, gender, field of study or living away from family (p>0.05). The most common reason for consumption was shortage of time 115(38.5%); lunch time was the most preferred time 210(70.2%); 97(32.4%) students were willing to read the nutrient information; and 211(70.5%) were interested in choosing healthy meals. The prevalence of fast food consumption among university students was found to be high.

The Prevalence of Fast Food Consumption Among Undergraduates: Evidence from Malaysia

The fast food industry has been growing rapidly since its first opening in Malaysia in 1980s. The trend of consuming fast food continues to grow at a rapid rate especially among students. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate various key determinants of fast food consumption among Malaysian undergraduates as they constitute a large percentage of fast food consumers. A set of validated questionnaires was used in gathering data on the key determinants of fast food consumption prevalence namely consumer behaviour, personal lifestyle, and product attributes. A quantitative investigation was conducted on the data using SPSS package. Few analyses namely Descriptive, Reliability and Multiple Regression were used. The Pearson Correlation indicates product attributes have a strong correlation while there is a moderate one for both consumer behaviour and personal lifestyle. Multiple Regression Analysis results highlight that personal lifestyle and product attributes are both positively significant while consumer behaviour, which positively affects fast food consumption among the Malaysian undergraduates, is not a significant determinant.

Impact of fast foods on developing cardiovascular diseases in adolescent population

Fast foods are foods which are easily prepared, processed food served in snack bars and restaurants. Industrial foods such as canned foods or snacks may also be considered as fast foods. The aim of the study was to show the impact of fast food consumption and awareness on developing cardiovascular diseases especially in adolescents. Several other researchers had given an overall picture about the impact of fast food; this study focuses only on the adolescent population. To check the awareness level among the adolescents population a questionnaire containing 15 questions was prepared. This survey was carried between the months of June 2019 to March 2020 among the adolescent population living in Chennai. This survey was carried under an online platform where the participants responded to their answers. The result showed almost 88% participants are aware that over consumption of fast food can cause adverse effects in the cardiovascular system like cardiac arrest and remaining 12% participants are not aware about the impact caused by fast food- developing cardiovascular disease. So considering the growing interest in out-of-home meals and high prevalence of fast food consumption, food policies with an emphasis on providing healthy foods, and making nutritional information at fast-food restaurants may help consumers to order more healthful or lower-calorie foods.

Clustering of Poor Dietary Habits among Adolescents Aged 12 to 15 Years in 52 Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries.

Very few studies have reported the co-occurrence of poor dietary habits. We thus aimed to estimate the co-occurrence of poor dietary habits in adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Data were obtained from the Global School-Based Student Health Surveys (GSHS) from 2009 to 2017. The suboptimal dietary factors included fast food consumption, carbonated soft drink consumption, and low fruit and vegetable intake, which were assessed with a questionnaire survey. We calculated the corresponding country-specific prevalence with the number of suboptimal dietary factors. We also calculated pooled estimates across countries using a meta-analysis with random-effects. Our study included 145,021 adolescents between 12 and 15 years of age from 52 LMICs. The prevalence of fast food consumption, carbonated soft drink consumption, and low fruit and vegetable intake ranged from 20.9% in Pakistan to 80.0% in Thailand, from 22.4% in Kiribati to 79.3% in Suriname, and from 45.9% in Vanuatu to 90.7% in Nepal, respectively. The prevalence of exposure to two or three suboptimal dietary factors varied greatly across countries, ranging from 31.8% in Pakistan to 53.8% in Nepal and from 8.6% in Vietnam to 36.4% in Suriname, respectively. The pooled prevalence of exposure to two or three suboptimal dietary factors was 41.8% and 20.0%, respectively. Our findings indicate that poor dietary habits are frequent and tend to co-occur in adolescents in LMICs. Country-specific policies and programs are needed to address these conditions.

PREVALENCE, PATTERN AND DETERMINANTS OF FAST FOOD CONSUMPTION AMONG SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN IN JOS METROPOLIS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA: AN IMPLICATION FOR NUTRITION EDUCATION

Motivation/Background: In 2001, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 60 percent of 56 million deaths worldwide and 47% of global burden of disease. In all countries, evidence suggested underlying determinants of NCDs were largely same. These include increased consumption of rapidly processed energy-dense nutrient-poor foods high in fat, sugar, salt and reduced levels of physical activity. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence, pattern and determinants of fast foods consumption among school age children in Jos metropolis.&#x0D; Method: In this study, we used descriptive cross-sectional study and included 347 mothers or care givers with children age 6 to 12 years in our sample size. We applied structured interviewer-administered questionnaire during data collection and analyzed the data with SPSS version 21.0.&#x0D; Results: Prevalence of fast food consumption among school age children in Jos metropolis in the last one week is 91.1%. Knowledge of health risk associated with fast food consumption was 86.5%. Flour based fast food were most commonly consumed. We established an association between meal skipping, fast food advertisement and fast food consumption.&#x0D; Conclusions: We recommend the need to focus public enlightenment on health risk associated with fast food consumption among school age children. Likewise, children should be encouraged to carry home-made food to school and legislation on fast food advertisement directed at children should be enacted.

Fast food consumption and suicide attempts among adolescents aged 12–15 years from 32 countries

BackgroundWe examined the fast food consumption-suicide attempt relationship among 105,061 adolescents aged 12–15 years from 32 countries. MethodsThis study was based on cross-sectional data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), and included 4 low-income, 13 lower middle-income, 9 upper middle-income, and 6 high-income countries. Data on past 7-day fast food consumption and 12-month suicide attempts were collected. The association between fast food consumption and suicide attempts was investigated with multivariable logistic regression and meta-analysis while adjusting for sex, age, food insecurity (proxy of socioeconomic status), alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, obesity, carbonated soft drink consumption, and fruit and vegetable consumption. ResultsOverall, the prevalence of fast food consumption was high (53.5%) and the proportion of suicide attempts was higher among consumers of fast food compared to non-consumers (11.8% vs. 8.3%). Of the 32 countries included in the study, a positive association between fast food consumption and suicide attempts was found in 26 countries although this was not statistically significant in all countries. The pooled OR (95% CI) based on a meta-analysis was 1.31 (1.17–1.46). LimitationsSince this was a cross-sectional study, it is not possible to draw any conclusions about causality or temporality in the associations assessed. ConclusionsFast food consumption is positively associated with suicide attempts in adolescents. Further research of longitudinal design is needed to confirm/refute our findings and explore the potential underlying mechanisms.

Fast food consumption and obesity among urban college going adolescents in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Fast food consumption is an emerging trend among adolescents worldwide. College going adolescents are unduly prone to consume fast food which increases the risk of obesity in their future life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fast food consumption and to assess the association of fast food consumption with obesity among college going adolescents in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 518 adolescent students were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique from five established colleges in Dhaka city from February 18, 2019, to June 30, 2019. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS, version 22. The results of this study revealed that 68.1% of students consumed fast foods at least once in the previous week. Taste or pleasure and convenience were the main drivers that triggered students to consume fast foods. About 64% of the participants consumed fast foods frequently (i.e.,> 3 days/week) followed by about 36% were infrequent consumers (i.e., 1–3 days/week). There was a significant difference between students who consumed and did not consume fast food in the previous week regarding the gender, education version, study group and socio-economic class (p < 0.05). The study found a significant association of fast food consumption with the higher prevalence of obesity (29.9% in fast food consumers vs 9.1% in non-consumers, p < 0.05). In addition, male fast food consumers (OR = 2.274, 95% CI = 1.484–3.485, p < 0.05) as well as individuals who consumed fast foods frequently (OR = 2.712, 95% CI = 1.592–4.622, p < 0.05) had greater likelihood to be obese. Fast food consumption among college going adolescents was considered to be an alarming situation as well as a significant public health threat. Specific health education programs, dietary guidelines and effective public awareness campaigns could be best initiated to tackle this problem.

Association of leisure-time sedentary behavior with fast food and carbonated soft drink consumption among 133,555 adolescents aged 12\u201315\u2009years in 44 low- and middle-income countries

BackgroundRates of sedentary behavior (SB), fast food and carbonated soft drink consumption are increasing worldwide, with steeper increases being observed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in recent years. Given that these behaviors have been linked to adverse health outcomes among adolescents, this presents a new but rapidly growing challenge to human health in these under-resourced nations. However, very little is known about the associations between SB and fast food or soft drink consumption among adolescents in LMICs.MethodsThus, data from the Global school-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) were cross-sectionally analyzed in 133,555 adolescents aged 12–15 years from 44 LMICs [mean (SD) age 13.8 (1.0) years; 49% females]. The data were collected in the form of self-report questionnaires. Associations were assessed with multivariable logistic regression analysis and meta-analysis.ResultsThe overall prevalence of fast food consumption (at least once in previous 7 days) and carbonated soft drink consumption (at least once per day during past 30 days) were 49.3 and 43.8%, respectively. The overall pooled estimates based on a meta-analysis with random effects for the association of ≥3 h/day of SB with fast food consumption and soft drink consumption using country-wise estimates were OR = 1.35 (95% CI = 1.27–1.43, I2 = 62.1%).) and OR = 1.26 (95% CI = 1.19–1.34; I2 = 54.3%), respectively. Spending > 8 h/day of SB compared to < 1 h/day in females was associated with significantly higher odds for fast food (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.38–1.88) and soft drink consumption (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.60–2.28).ConclusionsFuture interventions to address unhealthy behaviors in adolescents should take into account the interrelated nature of SB and unhealthy dietary habits, and seek to further understand the mechanisms linking these behaviors in the LMIC context.

Fast food consumption and overweight/obesity prevalence in students and its association with general and abdominal obesity.

SummaryNowadays, the prevalence of both fast food consumption and overweight/obesity has been increased. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of fast food consumption and to assess its association with abdominal and general obesity. In an analytical cross-sectional study, 300 students were selected randomly from two largest universities in Qom, center of Iran, studying in medical and basic sciences fields in 2015. Data collection was conducted by a modified version of NELSON’s fast food questionnaire and anthropometric measures including Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) and Body Mass Index (BMI). Chi-square, independent t-test, and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. According to our results, 72.4% (67.4% in females vs 80.7% in males) had at least one type of fast food consumption in the recent month including sandwich 44.4%, pizza 39.7%, and fried chicken 13.8%, The obesity prevalence based on BMI and WHR was 21.3% (95% CI: 19.4, 23.2%) and 33.2% (95% CI: 0.7, 35.7), respectively. Fast food consumption was related to abdominal obesity as WHR (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.26), but was not related to general obesity as BMI (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.63, 1.52). The prevalence of fast food consumption and obesity/overweight in Iranian student is high. Fast food consumption was associated with abdominal obesity based WHR, but did not related to general obesity based on BMI.

Study on consumption of fast food among medical students of IGIMS, Patna

Background: Fast food culture is a vigorously uprising trend among the youngsters and medical students are no exception to it. Stressful life due to increased study load negatively influences the food choices of medical students. Hence the present study was undertaken with objectives to figure out the prevalence of fast food consumption among medical students, to study the fast food consumption pattern by the medical students and to explore various factors contributing to fast food consumption by the students.Methods: A cross sectional study was done among 120 undergraduate medical students of IGIMS, Patna for a period of 6 months. Data collection was done using pre-tested structured questionnaire and was analysed using SPSS latest version.Results: The study showed that all the respondents consume fast food sometime or the other and the knowledge of fast food was almost universal among the medical students. Most of the students (48.3%) were taking fast food as an alternative to dinner, 32 (26.6%) as evening snack and 26 (21.6%) as an alternative to lunch. Most preferred beverage was carbonated drinks (56.6%) while most preferred fast food was pizza (45%). 75.6% students were taking fast food 1-2 times a week. Reasons for consumption of fast food were mainly- eating in company (58.3%) and taste factor (55%).Conclusions: Despite of a majority (88.3%) being aware of the fact that consuming fast food leads to many diseases and disability, all the subjects continue to consume fast food, mostly due to reasons of taste, company and to avoid wastage of time.

Fast food consumption and its associations with obesity and hypertension among children: results from the baseline data of the Childhood Obesity Study in China Mega-cities.

BackgroundChina has seen rapid increase in obesity and hypertension prevalence and fast food consumption over the past decade. We examined status and risk factors for Western- and Chinese fast food consumption and their associations with health outcomes in Chinese children, and examined how maternal factors were associated with child health outcomes.MethodsData of 1626 students aged 7–16 (11.6 ± 2.0) years and their parents in four mega-cities across China (Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Xi’an) were collected in the 2015 baseline survey of the Childhood Obesity Study in China Mega-cities. Weight, height, waist circumference, and blood pressure were measured. Food intake was assessed using questionnaire. Mixed models were used to examine the associations.ResultsAmong the children, 11.1% were obese, 19.7% were centrally obese, and 9.0% had hypertension. Obesity prevalence was much higher in boys than in girls (15.2% vs. 6.9% and 27.4% vs. 11.7%, respectively, both P < 0.001). About half (51.9% and 43.6%) of children consumed Western and Chinese fast food, respectively, over the past 3 months. Compared to those with college or above maternal education level, those with elementary school or below maternal education level were 49% more likely to consume Western fast food (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49 [1.10–2.03]). Chinese fast food consumption rate increased by 12% with each year of increase in child’s age (OR and 95% CI: 1.12 [1.02–1.23]). No significant associations between fast food consumption and health outcomes were detected. Adjusting for Western fast food consumption, children with lower maternal education were 71% and 43% more likely to have obesity and central obesity (ORs and 95% CIs: 1.71 [1.12–2.61] and 1.43 [1.00–2.03], respectively), and maternal body mass index was positively associated with child obesity, central obesity, and hypertension (ORs and 95% CIs: 1.11 [1.06–1.17], 1.12 [1.07–1.17], and 1.09 [1.03–1.15], respectively). Results were similar when Chinese fast food consumption was adjusted for.ConclusionsThe prevalence of fast food consumption, obesity and hypertension is high among children in major cities in China. Maternal factors affect child outcomes.

Fast Food Consumption and Obesity

This cross-sectional study investigated the pattern (frequency and characteristics) of fast food consumption and its relationship with obesity. A total of 1173 Malaysian adults were interviewed based on a structural questionnaire. Fast food consumption was higher among young Malays and significantly associated with age, ethnicity, number of children in the household. The prevalence of respondents who consumed fast food at least once a week was 17%.Estimated 21.3% of respondents were obese. However, obesity was not associated with frequenting fast food restaurants. Because of the high prevalence of fast food consumption, there is a great need to educate further the community in making healthier food choices

Fast Food Consumption among University Students , Saudi Arabia : A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Fast food consumption (FFC) is one of the most common eating habits nowadays with escalated prevalence in the recent decades. The study aimed to find the prevalence of FFC among the University students, to identify the factors that contribute to the FFC among them, and to test student’s level of awareness regarding the health issues occur due to the consumption of fast food. Methodology: A total of 505 students (325) males and (180) females aged between 18-26 years were randomly chosen from Colleges of Majmaah University. Results: 41.6%) of the participants choose fast food as their usual meal. Male students consumed fast food as a usual meal more and female students were attracted more by taste and advertisements. Consuming fast food and staying away from the family was significantly more in male students as compared to female students. Conclusions: The prevalence of fast food consumption among Majmaah University students is very high.

Trends of fast food consumption among adolescent and young adult Saudi girls living in Riyadh

BackgroundSaudi Arabia has passed through lifestyle changes toward unhealthy dietary patterns such as high fast food consumption. Adolescents and young adults, particularly girls, are the main groups exposed to and affected by these adverse eating behaviors.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the trends of fast food consumption among adolescent and young adult Saudi girls living in Riyadh, and to compare between them.DesignIn a cross-sectional survey, 127 adolescent Saudi girls (13–18 years) and 69 young adult Saudi girls (19–29 years) were randomly recruited to participate in this study. Weight, height, waist circumference, and hip circumference were measured using standardized methods. Twenty-four-hour diet recall and a face-to-face interview food questionnaire were performed.ResultsMost of the participants had adequate intake of protein, riboflavin, iron, and sodium, but exhibited low intake for several other nutrients. Among study participants, 95.4% consume restaurants’ fast food and 79.1% eat fast food at least once weekly. Burgers and carbonated soft drinks were the main kinds of fast food meals and beverages usually eaten by girls. Adolescent girls who usually ate large portion sizes of fast food had significantly higher mean waist circumference and hip circumference. Participants eat fast food primarily for enjoying the delicious taste, followed by convenience. Restaurants’ hygiene and safety standards were the main concern regarding fast food for 62.2% of girls. Finally, international restaurants were preferable by participants to buy fast food compared with local restaurants (70.9% vs. 29.1%).ConclusionOur findings provide evidence on the high prevalence of fast food consumption among Saudi girls, suggesting an urgent need for community-based nutrition interventions that consider the trends of fast food consumption and targeted eating behaviors of adolescent and young adult girls.