The Impact of Fast Food Consumption on the Development of General and Central Obesity

Background and objectives: Fast food consumption among adolescents and young people is increasing. Consumption of these foods is associated with a high intake of energy and fat resulting in overweight and obesity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fast food consumption and general and central obesity among Zahedan University of Medical Sciences students. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on a simple random sampling method on 351 students of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences (151 boys and 200 girls). Demographic data and fast food consumption were completed through interviews with students, and Body mass index and waist circumference were used as indicators of general and central obesity in students, respectively. Results: The prevalence of general and central obesity among students was 18.5% (28.5% boys and 11% girls) and 7.7% (8.6% boys and 7% girls), 47.6% (51.7% boys and 44.5% girls) more than 2 times a week and 48.1% occasionally (45% boys and 50.5% girls) consumed at least one type of fast food. There was a significant relationship between fast food consumption with both general types of obesity (p = 0.028) and central (P = 0.014). Conclusions: Findings of the study indicated that fast food consumption and consequently general and central obesity were high. Therefore, the necessity of interventions such as continuous nutrition education programs to improve the nutritional literacy of young people and students is required.