Background: As per National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, “Junk food is foods containing little or no proteins, vitamins, or minerals but are rich in salt, sugar, fats, and are high in energy (calories).” Many studies show junk foods have an adverse effect on both physical and mental health.
Aims and Objectives: This study was taken up to take an insight into the adverse effects of excess calorie consumption during stress which is associated obesity and depression.
Materials and Methods: A study on junk food consumption at SSMC, Tumkur to study the relationship between mental and physical health with the consumption of junk food among 1st-year MBBS students. A cross-sectional study was done on 1st-year MBBS students aged 19–21 year at SSMC, Tumkur with the approval of Institutional Ethics Committee. A modified questionnaire was circulated among 150 1st year MBBS students aged 19–21 years at SSMC, Tumkur through Google forms. The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics and interpreted.
Results: About 49% of the participants consumed junk foods regularly with 34% of the participants consuming more than once per week. More than 65% of participants consumed junk food in the evening. Around 46% of participants preferred weekend to consume junk foods. More than 50% of the participants consume junk foods when they are residing in hostel rather than home. More than 70% of the participants prefer junk food consumption during screen time.
Conclusion: Factors that have led to consumption of junk food are affordability and cravings. Preference of consumption of carbonated drinks with junk food is also high. The study also shows a strong association of junk food consumption with stress and screen time behavior. Due to its low nutritional value, junk food should be discouraged. Hence, awareness program should be included in to the curriculum of all medical students and in other professions also.
Key words: Junk Food; Questionnaire; Stress; Consumption
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