Fast-Food Consumption and Its Impact on Physical and Mental Health Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study: Fast-Food Consumption and Its Impact on Physical and Mental Health

Laiba Shahbaz; Muqaddas Nazir Ahmed; Rubail Ijaz; Sehaj Kabir

doi:10.54393/df.v7i2.207

Authors

Laiba Shahbaz Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Muqaddas Nazir Ahmed Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
Rubail Ijaz Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Sehaj Kabir Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/df.v7i2.207

Keywords:

Fast Food, University Students, Physical Health, Mental Health, Fatigue, Sleep Disturbance, Logistic Regression

Abstract

The reasons why fast food is popular among university students are convenience, cost, and time. However, its frequent intake may lead to negative consequences regarding both the physical and psychological well-being of students. Objectives: To determine the associations between fast-food intake patterns and various health problems such as fatigue, insomnia, depression, anxiety, body weight, etc. Methods: A cross‑sectional survey was conducted among 236 university students (60.3% female) from three universities in Lahore, Pakistan. Data were analyzed using chi‑square tests, logistic regression, and descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 236 university students, over 97% consumed fast food at least once per week. Each category increase in the frequency of fast-food intake (from "never" to "daily") was significantly related to overweight/obesity and depressive symptoms, and post-meal fatigue after adjustment. There were strong associations between fatigue and sleep disturbances, as well as between fatigue and anxiety symptoms. Demographic adjustments did not remove this association between higher levels of fast-food intake and overweight/obesity. Conclusions: Fatigue, depression symptoms, sleep disturbances, and excess body weight are related to regular consumption of fast food among university students. There is an increasing need for nutrition education based at the university, and healthier foods available on campus

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Fast-Food Consumption and Its Impact on Physical and Mental Health Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study