Role of junk food consumption as a health hazard among University students in Jammu region: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: The twentieth century heralded nutrition transition, wherein a shift from healthy food choices to junk has occurred; thereby, adding to risk of occurrence of chronic diseases. Junk food is the processed and snack food, which has high fat and/or sugar. This study was carried out among university students, an age phase when health-related behaviours mostly establish or are reinforced. Methods: A Cross- sectional study was conducted on 150 university students belonging to Post graduate departments of University of Jammu, hailing from different regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. A subset of key questions from WHO STEPS Survey was used. Results: 11.66% students in our study were regularly eating outside, higher tendency seen among males (25%) as compared to their female counterparts (21%). 68% students consume soft beverages. More females (72%) than male students (64%) consume soft beverages. 71.66% students in our study consumed junk foods.Conclusion: Consumption of junk food leads to a myriad of ill effects. Control measures especially in the prevalent group needs to be undertaking to curtain the already risen burden of health diseases related to junk food intake.