Junk Food Consumption and Knowledge about its Ill Effects among Teenagers: A Descriptive Study

Background Adolescents comprise approximately one-fifth of the world-s population and most of them (84 %) live in the developing countries. Adolescents are at risk for nutritional problem both from a physiological and a psychological standpoint. Junk food consumption and obesity in childhood is emerging as a global epidemic. There are numerous psychological, physical and economic consequences of childhood obesity. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of junk food consumption and knowledge of adolescents regarding its ill effects and also factors contributing towards this public health concern 1. Methods 208 students from four English medium schools in Pune District of Maharashtra (India) were selected by purposive random sampling and students from class VII to XI were selected by disproportionate random sampling for the study. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. Result Out of 66.8 % who consumed junk food, 50 % of teenagers consumed junk food 3-5 times and1-3 bottles of aerated drinks per week.46.15 % teenagers had average knowledge about ill effects of junk food. Conclusion The general awareness of teenagers regarding ill effects of junk food is relatively average or good, but the problem lies in the fact that they do not translate this knowledge in to good food behavior. There are various factors which lure the young adult to consume junk food which invites attention from parents, school authorities and legislative bodies. Junk food, teenagers, Ill effects.