A Study on the Effects of Nutritional Counselling on Fast Food Consumption among the Adolescents

Abstract

Fast food consumption is rising in India across all income categories, and this is contributing significantly to the rising trend of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The growing menace of fast food consumption needs to be restricted by adopting legal, service, and education approaches to promoting healthy dietary practices. There is enough scientific evidence in India to substantiate that fast food has become an integral component of the diet in all sections of society. Adolescents are more addicted to consume fast food in between college hours and evening snacks when coming back from colleges. newlineExcessive consumption of fast food has detrimental effects on health. Fast foods are rich in sugar, saturated fats, and sodium and less in nutritional value. Regular consumption of fast foods like chowmin, fried foods, cakes, pastries, etc. is responsible for obesity, cardiovascular problems, increased cholesterol levels, elevated blood pressure, diabetes, etc. Adolescents are day by day addicted to consuming processed food, but this processed food undergoes extensive processing and often contains additives, preservatives, artificial flavour, and colour to enhance attractive looks, taste, texture, and shelf life. These processes strip away essential nutrients and make them less beneficial for health, whereas foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and nuts are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants which are healthy. newline