Prevalence, Determinants, and Impact of Junk Food Consumption on Body Weight among College-going Students of Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Background: Junk food consumption and its consequences have become a major public health concern globally because of their health consequences and surging prevalence of usage. This leads to obesity and further acts as a risk factor for various noncommunicable diseases. Objective: To explore junk food consumption, its determinants, and its impact on body weight among college-going students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 college students of Hyderabad. Data were collected using a questionnaire schedule. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis was performed. Results: The study found that 190 (46.4%) participants consumed junk foods more than 3 days per week, with more prevalence among females. Fast food consumption accounted for 134 (33%), sweets for 36 (9%), salty processed foods for 30 (7%), beverages for 20 (5%), responses involving multiple food items for 189 (46%) and 124 (30%) of their consumption time was spent with friends. Adequate knowledge was found among 391 (96%) participants. Although there is an increased body mass index with a higher frequency of junk food consumption, it was statistically not significant. However, a statistically significant association existed between gender and increased body weight (obesity: 45% of males and 55% of females). Conclusions: The consumption of junk food among college-going students was high among females. Despite adequate knowledge on the harmful consequences of junk foods, college-going students consumed the same.