ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FAST FOOD CONSUMPTION & OBESITY AMONG YOUNG ADULTS (18-25) YEARS IN NEW YORK CITY

Background: Public discourse and public health research on obesity have intensified in the wake of marked increases in US obesity rates, increases that have been particularly acute among the disadvantaged (Block et al., 2004). For African Americans, obesity is endemic, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) gave prevalence rates at 45% in 2003–2004 (Burdette & Whitaker, 2004). Multiple studies show that greater fast-food consumption (and greater local fast-food availability/density) is associated with higher BMI or increased odds of overweight/obesity among children and adolescents, including analyses using New York City data. These associations are often stronger in lower-income neighborhoods. Fast food is calorie-dense and often consumed in large portions. Frequent consumption leads to excess caloric intake, promoting weight gain and obesity. High-glycemic foods and saturated fats increase insulin resistance and risk of diabetes. The objective of this study was to collect information about the relationship between fast food consumption and obesity among adults aged 18-25 Years old in New York City. The Study was conducted with customers in Two Pizza shops: one is Basilico Pizzeria, located at 59 1st Ave, NY 10003, and the other is Limon Pizzeria Halal, situated at 50 E 125th St, NY 10035. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out with 400 participants in New York City. Data were gathered through a verified, self-reported questionnaire that included sociodemographic information, eating behaviors, motivations for fast food consumption, and levels of physical activity. Self-reported height and weight were used to calculate body mass index (BMI), and obesity was categorized according to the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Ethical approval was granted, and informed digital consent was acquired from all participants. Result: The research included 400 participants with a mean age of 21.67 years (SD = 1.60), a median age of 22 years, and an age range of 18 to 25 years. Of these, 240 (60%) were Male, and 140(40%) were Female. The age group most frequently observed was 20–21 years. Participants reported an average height of 166.18 cm (SD: 9.88 cm) and an average weight of 64.42 kg (SD: 14.73 kg), resulting in a mean body mass index (BMI) of 23.30 (SD: 3.27), which falls within the normal range for young adults. Conclusion: The research revealed that most young adult participants exhibited a normal BMI, suggesting a predominantly healthy weight condition. None of the participants were underweight, and the prevalence of overweight was greater in males compared to females. These results emphasize the significance of encouraging healthy lifestyle habits, especially in young adult men, to avert future health risks associated with weight