Frequency of Junk Food Consumption and Its Effect on Body Weight of Working Adults in Mizoram

Abstract

The rising consumption of calorie-dense, nutrient-poor junk foods has emerged as a major public health concern, particularly among working adults with busy lifestyles. This study investigates the frequency of junk food consumption and its relationship with body weight among working adults in Mizoram. A cross-sectional design was used with 60 participants (30 males and 30 females), selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and anthropometric measurements. Results showed high dependency on junk foods, with noodles, chips, fried items, and street foods consumed most frequently. Gender differences were observed: males reported higher weekly intake of fried foods, while females consumed them more frequently on a daily basis. Frequency scores ranged between 15 and 43, with the majority of participants falling in the 30–40 range. A mild positive correlation (r = 0.299) was found between junk food consumption and body weight. While the relationship was not strong, findings align with global evidence linking frequent junk food intake to gradual weight gain and associated health risks. Socioeconomic and lifestyle factors—including time constraints, affordability, taste preferences, and aggressive marketing—were identified as key drivers of junk food consumption. The study underscores the importance of workplace-based nutrition education, healthier food accessibility, and policy-level interventions to reduce reliance on junk foods and promote healthier dietary behaviors.