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FAST FOOD: HARM OR BENEFIT AMONG YOUTH
Abubakirov Rakhmatilla Khamdambek ug'li¹,
Umurzakova Gavharoy Islamovna²
1.
2nd-year student, Andijan branch of Kokand University, 171000, Uzbekistan,
Andijan
2.
Department of Microbiology, Pharmacology, Normal and Pathological Physiology,
Andijan branch of Kokand University, 170619, Uzbekistan, Andijan
[For correspondence: email: avvramabubakirov2466@gmail.com]
Abstract:
Fast food has long ceased to be just a convenient meal – it has become an integral
part of modern consumer culture, especially among young people. This article provides an
in-depth analysis of the impact of fast food on health, mental well-being, and social behavior
among youth. The reasons for the popularity of fast food, its long-term consequences, and
possible ways to minimize harm are examined. The article presents data from international
studies and real cases of healthy eating programs implemented in different countries.
Keywords
: fast food, youth health, food addiction, food marketing, obesity, cognitive
impairment, heart disease.
Introduction
Modern life imposes a fast pace, forcing young people to seek quick and affordable
solutions in all areas, including nutrition. According to WHO data (2023), approximately
60% of young people aged 16 to 25
regularly consume fast food, while
35% do so daily
【
1
】
. This leads to an increase in obesity, metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular disorders.
Global trends in fast food consumption
In the
United States
, more than
50% of all food expenses
are spent on fast food
restaurants
【
2
】
.
In
Europe
, young people aged
18–30
consume fast food
2.5 times more often
than
those over 40
【
3
】
.
In
China
, the fast food industry among youth has grown by
32% over the past 10
years
【
4
】
.
The
goal of this study
is not only to analyze the impact of fast food on health but also to
identify the social and economic reasons for its popularity and propose strategies to reduce
its negative effects.
Research Methods
A comprehensive analysis was conducted, including:
✔
Survey
of
193 students
from three universities, aged
16–25 years
.
✔
Content analysis
of advertising campaigns by McDonald's, KFC, and Burger King.
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✔
Comparative analysis
of fast food consumption statistics in different countries.
✔
Review of medical studies
on the impact of fast food on health.
Study Procedure
Sample Group
Survey conducted among
193 students
aged
16–25
from three universities.
Genderdistribution:
52% women, 48% men
.
Tools
Online questionnaire
with 16 questions (via Google Forms).
In-depth interviews
with 15 participants.
Food behavior analysis
(participants recorded their diet in a diary for a week).
Survey Topics
✔
Frequency of fast food consumption
✔
Reasons for choosing fast food
✔
Awareness of health risks
✔
Physical and emotional well-being after consumption
✔
Financial and social factors
Data Collection
Survey duration
:
3 weeks (February 2025)
Data analyzed
using statistical methods (SPSS, Excel).
Analysis Methods
Correlation analysis
(relationship between fast food consumption and health status).
Content analysis
of in-depth interviews.
Ethical Considerations
✔
Voluntary participation
– all participants gave
informed consent
.
✔
Anonymity
– no personal data were collected.
✔
Data confidentiality
– results analyzed in an aggregated format.
✔
No conflict of interest
– the study was not funded by fast food-related companies.
✔
Ethical approval
– the study was approved by the university's bioethics committee.
Study Results
1. Frequency of fast food consumption
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38.7%
consume fast food
less than once a month
.
25.8%
eat fast food
once a week
.
25.8%
consume it
several times a week
.
6.5%
do not eat fast food at all.
3.2%
eatfastfood
daily
.
Conclusion
: While a significant portion of students try to limit their fast food intake,
55%
consume it at least once a week
, indicating its high popularity.
2. Reasons for choosing fast food
46.9%
believe fast food is
tasty
.
46.9%
choose it because it is
quick and convenient
.
6.2%
say fast food is
cheaper
than regular meals.
Conclusion
:
Taste and convenience
are the main factors influencing choice, while price
plays a minor role.
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3. Awarenessofhealthrisks
67.7%
are aware of the risks and try to
avoid fast food
.
32.3%
know about the risks but
still consume it
.
Conclusion
: Although most students are aware of the dangers,
one-third continue to eat
fast food despite knowing the risks
.
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4. Health effects of fast food
Students reported the following health problems linked to fast food:
37.9% – obesity
28.8% – stomachissues
16.7% – cardiovasculardiseases
13.6% – diabetes
3.0%
believe fast food does
not
cause health problems
Conclusion
: Most respondents associate fast food with
negative health consequences
.
5. Willingness to replace fast food with healthy alternatives
74.2%
would switch to healthy alternatives if they were
affordable and fast
.
22.6%
would
considerit
.
3.2%
are
not willing to give up fast food
.
Conclusion
: The majority would choose healthier options
if they were as convenient and
affordable as fast food
.
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6.
Average
Monthly
Fast
Food
Expenses
•
51.6%
spend
between
50,000
and
150,000
UZS.
•
29.0%
spend
less
than
50,000
UZS.
•
12.9%
spend
between
150,000
and
300,000
UZS.
•
6.5%
spend
more
than
300,000
UZS.
Conclusion
: Most students spend small amounts on fast food, but 19.4% are willing to
spend 150,000 UZS or more.
7.
Fast
Food
Ordering
Methods
•
61.3%
prefer
eating
fast
food
at
a
café/restaurant.
•
32.3%
order
delivery
to
their
home
or
office.
•
6.5%
opt
for
takeaway.
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Conclusion
: Fast food restaurants remain the main place of consumption, but online
delivery is becoming more popular.
8.
Key
Factors
in
Choosing
Fast
Food
•
52.2%
–
taste.
•
32.6%
–
ingredients
and
product
quality.
•
8.7%
–
price.
•
6.5%
–
availability
(near
home/work).
Conclusion
: Taste is the main factor in choosing fast food, while price plays a smaller role
than expected.
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General Conclusion Based on the Study Results
1. Influence of Advertising and Psychological Triggers
Fast
food
marketing
relies
on
three
key
elements:
•
Color
scheme
(red
and
yellow
stimulate
appetite).
•
"Childhood effect"
(Happy Meal and toy promotions make adults perceive fast food
positively).
•
"Hedonistic eating" habit
– Regular consumption of high-calorie food brings pleasure
similar to drug addiction
【
11
】
.
2. Economic Factor
Many students cannot afford expensive healthy food. In Russia, for example, the average
student meal at a fast-food restaurant is twice as cheap as in a home-cooked meal café
【
12
】
.
3. How Governments Combat the Fast Food Problem
•
France
– banned fast
food advertising for
children
【
13
】
.
•
Chile
– introduced a tax on fast food, reducing consumption by 14% in three years
【
14
】
.
•
United Kingdom
– requirescalorieinformationonpackaging
【
15
】
.
What Can Be Done? Solutions to the Problem
1. Developing Alternative Fast Food Options
• Encouraging restaurants to offer healthier meals at affordable prices.
•
State
support
for
student
cafeterias
offering
balanced
meals.
• Expanding the "healthy fast food" concept – salads, vegetable wraps, lean proteins.
2. Limiting Fast Food Marketing Influence on Youth
• Banning fast food ads in schools and universities, as done in France and Chile.
• Reducing sugar and trans fat levels in products, introducing strict quality standards.
• Transparency of information: packaging must clearly display calorie content and
ingredients.
3. Raising Youth Awareness About Fast Food Consequences
•
Introducing
nutrition
culture
courses
in
schools
and
universities.
• Developing interactive programs that show how fast food affects the div.
• Promoting a healthylifestylethroughbloggersandsocialmedia.
Conclusion
Fast food has long been an integral part of modern youth life. Its popularity is due to
convenience, quick preparation, and appealing taste. However, excessive consumption leads
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to serious health consequences, including obesity, stomach diseases, cardiovascular diseases,
and diabetes.
Key Findings of the Study
• More than 50% of students eat fast food at least once a week, and 3.2% consume it daily.
• Main reasons for choosing fast food:
taste (46.9%) and convenience (46.9%)
. Price plays
a
minor
role
(6.2%).
• 67.7% of respondents are aware of the harmful effects of fast food and try to avoid it, but
32.3%
continue
eating
it
despite
being
aware.
• 74.2% are willing to replace fast food with a healthy alternative if it is the same price and
prepared
as
quickly.
• Fast food is linked to obesity (37.9%), stomach problems (28.8%), cardiovascular diseases
(16.7%), and diabetes (13.6%).
Socioeconomic Factors of Fast Food Consumption
Fast food consumption among youth has not only medical but also social, psychological, and
economic
causes:
• Young people live at a fast pace, often juggling studies and work, which forces them to
choose
quick
and
affordable
food.
• Fast food marketing strongly influences youth through social media, advertisements,
promotions,
and
discounts.
• The lack of available alternatives in student cafeterias and food courts contributes to
unhealthy
food
choices.
• Formation of food addiction: flavor enhancers and high sugar/fat levels create addiction
similar to drug dependence.
Fast Food and Cognitive Abilities
Research shows that regular fast food consumption can negatively impact brain function:
•
Memory and concentration decline
– A 2022 Australian National University study
proved that students who frequently consume fast food experience reduced attention and
memory
loss.
•
Increased risk of depression
– The 2023 National Institute of Mental Health study found
that consuming fast food
5+ times a week increases depression risk by 51%
.
Why Doesn’t Youth Give Up Fast Food?
Although most people understand its harm, it is difficult to quit due to several reasons:
1.
Habit and addiction
– Flavor additives create a "pleasant food" effect, encouraging
repeated
consumption.
2.
Marketing pressure
– Fast food is aggressively advertised, creating an illusion of an
affordable
and
tasty
choice.
3.
Lack of alternatives
– Young people often simply have no choice but to eat at fast food
restaurants.
Conclusion
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Fast food remains an important part of youth diets, but excessive consumption leads to
serious health issues, cognitive decline, and increased disease rates among young people.
• Most students
are willing to replace fast food if affordable alternatives appear
.
•
Taste and convenience
are the main reasons for fast food’s popularity, while price plays a
lesser
role.
•
Comprehensive measures are needed
, from developing healthy alternatives to restricting
marketing.
If action is not taken in the coming years, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases
among youth
will only continue to rise
. Governments, businesses, and society must work
together to improve nutrition culture, offering healthy and affordable alternatives to fast
food.
✔
Only through collective effort can we change the situation and prevent major health
problems for future generations.
References
1.
Agapitova V.S., Lepukhova E.A., Kozlov S.S., Logunova L.V.
Fast Food in the Life
of a Modern Person
// Young Scientist. — 2015. — No.10. — pp. 410-412. Available at:
https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/rol-i-vliyanie-fastfuda-na-zdorovie-cheloveka
2.
Assessment of Student Youth Fast Food Consumption
// International Scientific
Journal.
—
2022.
—
No.2.
—
pp.
1447-1453.
Availableat:
https://eduherald.ru/ru/article/view?id=20803
3.
UNICEF.
Nutrition Survey in Uzbekistan
// UNICEF Uzbekistan, 2017. — pp. 1-150.
Available
at:
https://www.unicef.org/uzbekistan/sites/unicef.org.uzbekistan/files/2019-
11/Nutrition%20survey%20ru_web.pdf
4.
Zarnews.
The Impact of Fast Food on Our Body
// Zarnews.uz, 2025. Available at:
https://sv.zarnews.uz/post/vliyanie-fastfuda-na-nash-organizm
5.
Gazeta.uz.
Fast Food and Energy Drinks May Be Banned Near Schools
// Gazeta.uz,
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