Comparative analysis of junk food consumption patterns among adolescent students in Assam

The increasing trend of junk food consumption among school children become a matter of serious concern as Junk foods severely deficit in micronutrients and high in fat, salt and sugar. Regular consumption of junk food leads to an increased risk of chronic degenerative diseases and many other chronic health conditions. Delicious taste, dazzling presentation, packaging, ready availability and advertisement attracts young children towards junk food. Present study was undertaken to know the consumption pattern of junk food among the adolescent students in Assam. It was found that majority of students irrespective gender consume junk food on regular basis (34.3%) and only a negligible (0.7%) student never consume fast food. Most popular Junk Food item was found to be chips (62.00%) followed by fast food (42.33%), chocolate (39.33%), carbonated drinks (39.00%) for all students irrespective of gender. But significant differences were observed in preferences towards items was recorded among girls and boys. Boys preferred carbonated drinks than girls whereas girls prefer to take ice cream and chocolate than boys. Majority of the students consume junk food due to its taste and flavour (68.67%), followed by availability (39.33%). While boys take junk foods to satisfy hunger too while the girls were found to be more influenced through advertisement and preferred junk food for enjoyments than boys.