Correlational study between fast food consumption and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adults of Pakistan

The consumption of various categories of fast food is progressively expanding worldwide, including in both developed and emerging countries. Individuals belonging to various age groups, demographics, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and who are mostly adolescents and young adults, have a tendency to consume fast food due to changes in their lifestyle, dietary patterns, and food habits. The aim of this study was to examine the factors that contribute to the rise in fast food consumption and the connection between fast food and non-communicable diseases. We created a comprehensive and reliable questionnaire to gather dietary data from 200 healthy volunteers across various age groups through surveying. Then, the questionnaire was divided into four categories: personal information, socioeconomic considerations, nutritional assessment, and eating habits. Moreover, the acquired data were examined using statistical SPSS software, dividing each factor into different questions. This study revealed a higher prevalence of fast food consumption among individuals in the age bracket of 20–30 years old. We identified several factors that contribute to fast food consumption, such as a diverse menu, time constraints, easy accessibility, and the perception of fast food as a social status marker. We evaluated the health status of individuals by inquiring about their lifestyle and health-related habits. The results revealed that 16.1% of the respondents had fatty liver disease, while 14.6% were obese, 13.2% had diabetes, 2.9% had high cholesterol, and 14.6% experienced gastrointestinal problems. This study's findings indicate that there is a substantial correlation between the rising consumption of fast food, lifestyle changes, and the occurrence of non-communicable diseases.