The Role of Fast-Food Consumption Patterns in The Incidence of Obesity in Adolescents

Adolescent obesity has increased significantly globally, including in Indonesia. One prominent risk factor is the consumption of fast food that is high in calories but low in nutrients. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between fast food consumption patterns and the incidence of obesity in adolescents. The study design was an observational analytic case-control with 80 adolescents aged 12-18 years in Arga Makmur (40 obese and 40 controls). Data were collected through questionnaires on the frequency of consumption, portion up-sizing, and snacking habits, as well as anthropometric measurements. The analysis revealed a significant association between the frequency of fast-food consumption (p = 0.001; OR = 5.10), portion-up-sizing habit (p = 0.001; OR = 22.73), and outside snacking habit (p = 0.001; OR = 9.80) and the incidence of obesity. It was concluded that fast food consumption patterns play an important role in increasing the risk of obesity in adolescents. Nutrition education and policy interventions at the school and family levels are needed to reduce the prevalence of adolescent obesity.