Title:- Impact of Unhealthy Food on Younger Generation
Authors:- Sandesh Naik
Anuj Shelar
Avadhut Rane
Yash Rane
Introduction:-
The rising trend of unhealthy food consumption among the younger generation has become a major concern. Processed foods, sugary snacks, and fast-food options are increasingly becoming the go-to choices for youth, despite their adverse health effects. This study aims to investigate the reasons behind this shift in dietary habits, focusing on factors such as convenience, taste preferences, and behavioural changes. By analysing these driving forces, the research will provide a deeper understanding of the behavioural and cultural factors that encourage unhealthy eating patterns in today’s youth.
Objectives:-
- To understand the underlying phenomenon of unhealthy food consumption among the younger generation.
- To assess awareness levels regarding the risks of unhealthy eating.
Literature Review:-
- Drewnowski, A., & Specter, S. E. (2004). Poverty and obesity: the role of energy density and energy costs. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 79(1), 6-16.
REVIEW:- They argue that cheaper, energy-dense foods contribute to higher obesity rates among low-income populations. This highlights the need for affordable, healthy food options to combat obesity effectively.
- Harris, J. L., et al. (2012). A crisis in the marketplace: how food marketing contributes to childhood obesity and what can be done. Annual Review of Public Health, 33, 211-225.
REVIEW:- Harris and colleagues examine how food marketing practices contribute to the rising rates of childhood obesity. They highlight that aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods to children, through various media channels, significantly impacts their food choices and consumption patterns.
Data Collection:-
Following five questions were framed on Likert Scale and students of ITM Skills University were surveyed. The data was coded as 1 for strongly agree and 5 for strongly disagree, for each question mean, standard deviation, standard error and Z-scores were calculated.
Data Analysis:-
|
|
Q1) I choose unhealthy food when stressed? |
Q2) I prioritize convenience over nutrition during busy times ? |
Q3) My eating habits affect my energy and academic performances? |
Q4) I skip meals and rely on snacks or fast food?
|
Q5) I eat unhealthy food due to lack of time? |
|
MEAN |
2.78 |
2.59 |
2.75 |
2.99 |
3.08 |
|
SD |
1.24 |
1.16 |
1.34 |
1.37 |
1.40 |
|
SE |
0.124 |
0.116 |
0.134 |
0.137 |
0.14 |
|
Z |
-1.77 |
-3.53 |
-1.87 |
-0.07 |
0.57 |
|
RESULTS |
NEUTRAL |
DISAGREE |
NEUTRAL |
NEUTRAL |
NEUTRAL |
Conclusion:-
- Respondents don’t strongly link their unhealthy eating habits to stress.
- Most prioritize nutrition over convenience, even when busy.
- Many are unsure or indifferent about how their diet affects their energy and academic performance.
- A significant number skip meals and rely on snacks or fast food, often for convenience.
- Time constraints lead to more frequent unhealthy food choices.
References:-
- Drewnowski, A., & Specter, S. E. (2004). Poverty and obesity: the role of energy density and energy costs. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 79(1), 6-16.
- Harris, J. L., et al. (2012). A crisis in the marketplace: how food marketing contributes to childhood obesity and what can be done. Annual Review of Public Health, 33, 211-225.