Impact of fast foods on developing cardiovascular diseases in adolescent population

Abstract

Fast foods are foods which are easily prepared, processed food served in snack bars and restaurants. Industrial foods such as canned foods or snacks may also be considered as fast foods. The aim of the study was to show the impact of fast food consumption and awareness on developing cardiovascular diseases especially in adolescents. Several other researchers had given an overall picture about the impact of fast food; this study focuses only on the adolescent population. To check the awareness level among the adolescents population a questionnaire containing 15 questions was prepared. This survey was carried between the months of June 2019 to March 2020 among the adolescent population living in Chennai. This survey was carried under an online platform where the participants responded to their answers. The result showed almost 88% participants are aware that over consumption of fast food can cause adverse effects in the cardiovascular system like cardiac arrest and remaining 12% participants are not aware about the impact caused by fast food- developing cardiovascular disease. So considering the growing interest in out-of-home meals and high prevalence of fast food consumption, food policies with an emphasis on providing healthy foods, and making nutritional information at fast-food restaurants may help consumers to order more healthful or lower-calorie foods.