Fast Food Consumption, Physical Activity and Nutritional Status of Adolescents in South Tangerang City

Adolescents who are overweight or obese are at higher risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer at a later time. Consumption of fast food and inadequate physical activity are important risk factors for overweight and obesity. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of fast food consumption and physical activity with the nutritional status of adolescents in SMK Negeri 2 Tangerang Selatan 2019. The study was a cross-sectional design, conducted in April 2009. Participants were 269 vocational highschool students, aged 15-18 years. Information on fast food consumption was collected by Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Logistic regression was used for analysis. The results of multivariate analysis showed that consumption of instant noodles and lack of physical activity were significantly associated with overweight and obesity in adolescents (p-value <0.05). The odds ratios (OR) for instant noodles consumption of >= 1 time/week and less physical activity were 2.310 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.292-4.132) and 1.937 (95% CI: 1.064-3.534), respectively. In conclusion, consumption of instant noodles >= 1 time/week and lack of physical activity were associated with an increased risk of overweight or obesity in the adolescent. This study recommended the importance of reducing fast-food consumption and increasing physical activity in order to prevent overweight or obesity in adolescents.