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This study examines the impact of junk food consumption on the health of young adults in Kottayam District, revealing that 92% consume junk food daily despite being aware of its negative health effects. The research highlights the influence of convenience, social settings, and advertising on dietary choices, as well as emotional triggers for consumption. The findings suggest that public health interventions should address these underlying factors to promote healthier eating habits among young adults.

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13 views6 pages

Blog

This study examines the impact of junk food consumption on the health of young adults in Kottayam District, revealing that 92% consume junk food daily despite being aware of its negative health effects. The research highlights the influence of convenience, social settings, and advertising on dietary choices, as well as emotional triggers for consumption. The findings suggest that public health interventions should address these underlying factors to promote healthier eating habits among young adults.

Uploaded by

Sneha Varghese
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IMPACT OF JUNK CONSUMPTION AMONG AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

IN KOTTAYAM DISTRICT

SNEHA VARGHESE
B. Ed Student (Natural Science)
Mount Carmel College of Teacher Education for Women, Kottayam

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the impact of junk food consumption on the health and well-
being of young adults. Through a survey-based approach, the research explores the frequency
of junk food intake, its correlation with lifestyle factors, and its perceived effects on physical
and mental health. The findings aim to provide insights into the prevalence and consequences
of unhealthy dietary habits among this demographic, contributing to the development of
targeted health interventions. The findings also suggest the impact of media and peer groups
in dietary choices.

Key words: Junk Foods,Nutrition

INTRODUCTION

Young adulthood is a period of significant transition.Generally, it refers to the


transitional period between adolescence and full adulthood;characterized by autonomy in
decision making and experimenting dietary habits. The influence of peer groups and media
has played significant role in choice of food. "Junk food" is a term used to describe foods that
have low nutritional value and are typically high in Fats: Especially saturated and trans fats.
Sugars: Often refined sugars. Salt (Sodium): Contributing to high sodium levels. Examples of
common junk foods include: Fast food (like burgers, fries, and shawarma) Candy and
sweets ,Chips and other salty snacks, Sugary drinks (sodas, etc.)Processed baked goods
(cakes, cookies, etc.).Junk food generally lacks essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals,
and fiber that our body needs to function properly. The prevalence of junk food consumption
among young adults has become a significant public health concern. Consuming too much
junk food can have negative effects on your health, including: Weight gain and obesity,
Increased risk of heart disease’ Type 2 diabetes, High blood pressure, Dental problems etc.

OBJECTIVES

Following are the objectives of the study :


1. To increase awareness and knowledge about junk food and its side affects in
health.
2. To reduce consumption frequency of junk food among young adults.
3. To reduce the perceived influence of junk food advertisements on food
choices.
4. To promote healthy alternatives for junk food.
5. To enhance coping mechanisms other than junk food during stressful
situations.
6. To increase campaign participation on junk food.

METHODOLOGY

A questionnaire on THE IMPACT OF JUNK FOOD CONSUMPTION AMONG


YOUNG ADULTS was prepared by the investigator. The study focused on the
quantitative research approach using a structured questionnaire on THE IMPACT OF
JUNK FOOD CONSUMPTION AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN KOTTAYAM
DISTRICT consisted of 25 open ended questions. Questions are arranged in such a
way to understand the preference of junk food over home made food, aware about
nutritional value and health affects of junk food. Questions are entered in Google
form for collecting data through online . 50 responds were obtained from young adults
in Kottayam district through online mode. Students responded to the form using their
e-mail id. Once responses were collected, the data was automatically stored in Google
form and Google Sheets .The collected data were entered into the excel sheet and
from there a table showing percentage of responds corresponding to each questions
and graphs were generated in the form of pie diagram.
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

The Major Findings of the data collected and analysed are given below :

GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION OF COLLECTED DATA

High Consumption Despite Awareness

i. A staggering 92% consume junk food daily, despite 100% acknowledging its
negative health impact.
ii. this highlights a significant disconnect between knowledge and behavior.88%
are aware of the negative side effects, yet consumption remains high.
iii. This suggests that awareness alone is insufficient to drive behavioral change.

1) Convenience
46% choose junk food for its ready availability, underscoring the importance of
accessibility in food choices.

2) Social Influence
70% are influenced by friends, and 94% find junk food common at social events.
This emphasizes the role of social context in shaping eating habits.

3) Advertisements

90% believe advertisements play a significant role, and 48% are directly influenced
by them. This reveals the powerful impact of marketing on food choices.
4) Taste

44% find junk food tastier, but 56% prefer home made food. This shows that taste is a
factor, but not the only one.

5) Emotional Triggers
54% use junk food as a reward, and 38% consume it during stress, indicating the
emotional role of junk food. 26% consume junk food when anxious.

6) Perceptions and Attitudes:

86% find junk food expensive, contradicting the common misconception of it being
cheap.

i. 84% don't regularly crave junk food, suggesting that consumption may be
driven by other factors like convenience or social influence.
ii. 66% don't prioritize nutritional value, and 66% are aware of nutritional
information, but still don't prioritize it.
iii. 86% are aware of diseases caused by junk food.
iv. 76% want warning labels on fast food packaging, indicating a desire for
greater transparency.
7) Future Trends and Interventions:
88% anticipate increased junk food consumption in the future, and 90% expect more
varieties, highlighting the need for proactive interventions.
i. 74% are interested in anti-junk food campaigns, indicating a potential for
public health initiatives.
ii. Only 14% were willing to consume healthier food if it was easily affordable.
8) Willpower:
60% have the willpower to avoid junk food offered by friends.

4.1 IMPLICATION OF THE STUDY

 Public health campaigns need to go beyond simply providing information and focus
on addressing the underlying drivers of junk food consumption, such as convenience,
social influence, and emotional triggers.
 Efforts should be made to increase the availability and affordability of healthy food
options.
 Regulations on food advertising, particularly targeting young adults, may be
necessary.
 Social interventions that promote healthy eating habits within social settings could be
effective.
 The data shows a need for better education on how to manage stress and anxiety

 without the use of junk food.

CONCLUSION

This data provides a strong foundation for developing targeted interventions to


promote healthier eating habits among young adults. Based on the provided data, it’s clear
that young adults face a significant challenge in maintaining healthy eating habits amidst
the pervasive presence and allure of junk food. While a vast majority acknowledge the
detrimental health effects of these processed foods, daily consumption remains alarmingly
high, revealing a substantial gap between knowledge and action.The primary drivers of
this behavior extend beyond mere taste preferences. Convenience, social influences, and
the powerful impact of advertising play pivotal roles in shaping food choices. The data
highlights a strong reliance on readily available junk food options, particularly in social
settings, and underscores the effectiveness of marketing strategies in influencing
consumption patterns.

Moreover, emotional factors like stress, anxiety, and the use of junk food as a
reward contribute to the problem. Despite a general awareness of nutritional information
and the potential for severe health consequences, the prioritization of nutritional value
remains low. Looking ahead, the data predicts an increase in junk food consumption and
variety, necessitating urgent and proactive interventions. The strong interest in anti-junk
food campaigns suggests a willingness among young adults to engage in initiatives
promoting healthier lifestyles. However, efforts must extend beyond mere awareness
campaigns. Strategies should focus on increasing the accessibility and affordability of
healthy alternatives, regulating food advertising, and addressing the social and emotional
triggers that drive junk food consumption.

Ultimately, fostering a culture of healthy eating among young adults requires a


multi-faceted approach that empowers them to make informed choices, navigate social
pressures, and develop sustainable healthy habits. By addressing the root causes of junk
food consumption, we can pave the way for a healthier future generation.
VI. REFERENCES

El Ansari W, Adetunji H, Oskrochi R. Food and mental health: relationship between food and
perceived stress and depressive symptoms among university students in the United Kingdom.
Cent Eur J Public Health. 2014;22(2):90–7

Agarwal, V. V., & Makhija, P. A. (2019). A study on junk food consumption behavior among
college students. Inte Rese J of Engi and Tech, 6(3), 4185-92.

Bowman, S. A., Gortmaker, S. L., Ebbeling, C. B., Pereira, M. A., & Ludwig, D. S. (2004).
Effects of fast-food consumption on energy intake and diet quality among children in a
national household survey. Pediatrics, 113(1), 112-118.

Kim, G. W., Sin, E. M., & Mun, E. H. (2004). A study on fast food consumption, nutritional
knowledge, food behavior and dietary intake of university students. Journal of The Korean
Dietetic Association, 10(1), 13-24.

Kirkpatrick, S. I., Reedy, J., Kahle, L. L., Harris, J. L., Ohri-Vachaspati, P., & Krebs-Smith,
S. M. (2014). Fast-food menu offerings vary in dietary quality, but are consistently
poor. Public health nutrition, 17(4), 924-931.

Liu, B., Widener, M., Burgoine, T., & Hammond, D. (2020). Association between time-
weighted activity space-based exposures to fast food outlets and fast food consumption
among young adults in urban Canada. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and
Physical Activity, 17, 1-13.

Shamsol, N. S., & Mohd Fisol, N. N. M. (2023). The factors that influence youth
consumption of junk food. Journal of Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Arts, 15(1), 147-
163.

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