1Department of Food and Nutrition, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 141004, Punjab, India
2Orison Super Specialty Hospital, Ludhiana, 141012, Punjab, India
Online published on 13 December, 2019.
The consumption of junk foods, sugar-sweetened beverages and ready-to-eat and processed foods has increased significantly in India, especially among the youth. This study in the Ludhiana district of Punjab selected a sample of 120 boys aged 16–18 years (60 each from rural and urban areas). The findings revealed the high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, preserved juices and milkshakes among urban adolescent boys, and high, frequent intake of traditional beverages like milk, butter milk, lemon water and tea among rural adolescent boys. The high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with nutritional and health risks, which can become a financial burden in terms of metabolic disorders in growing ages.
