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Background: Consumption of ultra‐processed foods [UPFs] may be associated with negative health outcomes. Limited data exist regarding the potential role of UPFs in the occurrence of allergic diseases. The underlying mechanisms underpinning any such associations are also poorly elucidated. Methods: We performed a systematic review and narrative evidence synthesis of the available literature to assess associations between UPF consumption and pediatric allergy outcomes (n = 26 papers), including data on the association seen with the gut microbiome (n = 16 papers) or immune system (n = 3 papers) structure and function following PRISMA guidelines. Results: Dietary exposure to fructose, carbonated soft drinks, and sugar intake was associated with an increased risk of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergies in children. Commercial baby food intake was associated with childhood food allergy. Childhood intake of fructose, fruit juices, sugar‐sweetened beverages, high carbohydrate UPFs, monosodium glutamate, UPFs, and advanced glycated end‐products (AGEs) was associated with the occurrence of allergic diseases. Exposure to UPFs and common ingredients in UPFs seem to be associated with increased occurrence of allergic diseases such as asthma, wheezing, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis, in many, but not all studies. Conclusion: More preclinical and clinical studies are required to better define the link between UPF consumption and the risk of allergies and asthma. These observational studies ideally require supporting data with clearly defined UPF consumption, validated dietary measures, and mechanistic assessments to definitively link UPFs with the risk of allergies and asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socio cultural context is changing in rural India. This may lead to establishment of fast food culture in rural areas as well. Objectives: To find out extent, pattern and associates of knowledge, opinion and consumption of fast food by rural adolescents. Materials and Methods: This community based cross sectional study was conducted on 213 adolescents selected by multistage sampling procedure from rural Prayagraj. Each subject was interviewed about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, opinion, and consumption of fast foods with the help of predesigned and pretested proforma. Analysis of data was done through SPSS and for finding out associates chi square test was applied. Results: Majority of subjects were aware about fast food and 84.0% consumed it in the previous month. There existed significant association of opinion of subjects regarding fast food fulfills hunger with type of family, social class of subjects (P<0.01) whereas, opinion of subjects "Feel energetic after eating fast food" was significantly associated with their gender, type of family and social class (P<0.05). Consumption of fast food was significantly more in subjects from nuclear family and higher SES (P<0.01). Conclusion: Socio Economic gradient prevailed in the expression of the opinions "the fast food fulfill hunger" and "Feel energetic after eating fast food" as well as consumption of fast food by subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and aim. Junk foods are defined as any of various pre-packaged foods that are high in calories but low in nutritional value. This study was done to evaluate the effect of health education intervention on the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding junk food consumption among MBBS interns at the tertiary health care center in Chennai, India. Material and methods. This was a quasi-experimental study conducted from January to March 2023 among 105 CRMIs of a Government medical college in Chennai, India. After getting Institutional Ethics Committee approval, data was collected using a pretested self-administered semi structured questionnaire before and after health education intervention. Results. The majority (55.2%) of the respondent interns were hostellers. There was a significant increase in the knowledge (p<0.001), healthy attitude (p<0.001), and healthy practice (p<0.001) concerning junk food intake following health education intervention. Conclusion. Routine repeated sessions promoting health should be implemented in the medical curriculum in order for our future physicians to live a long healthy life as well as to set a good example [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Food item that has little nutritive value, high fat, and sugar content with little to no fiber content is labeled as junk food. The objective of the study is to assess the patterns of consumption of junk food among young adults and to explore the reasons for junk food consumption among young adults. Materials and Methods: Mixed method study consisting of quantitative phase involving interviews with 116 students from a Medical College using a semi-structured, validated questionnaire circulated through Google Forms followed by an depth interview of 10 participants for qualitative phase. Results: In the study, it was observed that (62.2%) eat junk food during snack time. Students staying with friends (35.3%) consumed more junk food compared to the ones staying with family (13.8%). The most common reasons for junk food consumption were its good taste (77.6%) and (68.1%) convenience. It is observed that maximum consumption of junk food is seen when meeting their friends (70.7%) and on special occasions (61.2%). French fries (69.8%) were the most common junk food consumed although (76.7%) felt that junk food is unhealthy. The qualitative interview also supported the findings that the most common reasons for junk food consumption were craving, inexpensive, taste, and poor taste of hostel food. Conclusion: The above study concluded that majority of the students consumed junk food when staying with friends and due to its good taste and convenience and to spend quality time with their family and on special occasions. Participants were aware that junk food is unhealthy but consume it because it is delicious while being pocket friendly.

Background and Aim: Food item that has little nutritive value, high fat, and sugar content with little to no fiber content is labeled as junk food. The objective of the study is to assess the patterns of consumption of junk food among young adults and to explore the reasons for junk food consumption among young adults. Materials and Methods: Mixed method study consisting of quantitative phase involving interviews with 116 students from a Medical College using a semi-structured, validated questionnaire circulated through Google Forms followed by an depth interview of 10 participants for qualitative phase. Results: In the study, it was observed that (62.2%) eat junk food during snack time. Students staying with friends (35.3%) consumed more junk food compared to the ones staying with family (13.8%). The most common reasons for junk food consumption were its good taste (77.6%) and (68.1%) convenience. It is observed that maximum consumption of junk food is seen when meeting their friends (70.7%) and on special occasions (61.2%). French fries (69.8%) were the most common junk food consumed although (76.7%) felt that junk food is unhealthy. The qualitative interview also supported the findings that the most common reasons for junk food consumption were craving, inexpensive, taste, and poor taste of hostel food. Conclusion: The above study concluded that majority of the students consumed junk food when staying with friends and due to its good taste and convenience and to spend quality time with their family and on special occasions. Participants were aware that junk food is unhealthy but consume it because it is delicious while being pocket friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Commercial advertising and sponsorship drive the consumption of harmful commodities. Local authorities (LAs) have considerable powers to reduce such exposures. This study aimed to characterize local commercial policies across all English LAs. Methods We conducted a census of all English LAs (n  = 333) to identify local commercial policies concerning advertising and sponsorship of tobacco, alcohol, less healthy foods and gambling, through online searches and Freedom of Information requests. We explored policy presence, commodity frequency and type, and associations with LA characteristics (region, urban/rural and deprivation). Results Only a third (106) of LAs in England had a relevant policy (32%). These included restrictions on tobacco (91%), gambling (79%), alcohol (74%) and/or less healthy foods (24%). Policy prevalence was lowest in the East of England (22%), North East (25%) and North West (27%), higher in urban areas (36%) than rural areas (28%) and lower in the least (27%) compared with the most (38%) deprived areas. Definitions in policies varied, particularly for alcohol and less healthy foods. Conclusions English LAs currently underutilize their levers to reduce the negative impacts of harmful commodity industry marketing, particularly concerning less healthy foods. Standardized guidance, including clarity on definitions and application, could inform local policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Available evidence indicates that junk foods, defined as unhealthy foods with high-calorie and low-nutrient value, negatively affect mental and metabolic health of children. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to clarify the association between junk food consumption and psychological distress in children and adolescents. Methods: A systematic literature search of relevant documents published in PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS was conducted up to 2022. All observation studies which assessed association of junk foods and psychological distress in children and adolescents were included. Random-effect model was used to pool odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) from individual studies. Subgroup meta-analysis was performed based on junk foods categories (sweet drinks, sweet snacks and snacks). Results: Data of 17 included articles on junk foods consumption in relation to depression, stress, anxiety, sleep dissatisfaction and happiness in children and adolescents were included in this systematic review. According to random effect model, the pooled OR in the highest vs. the lowest category of junk foods was 1.62 (95% CI: 1.35–1.95) for depression, 1.34 (95% CI: 1.16–1.54) for stress, 1.24 (95% CI: 1.03–1.50) for anxiety, 1.17 (95% CI: 1.05–1.30) for sleep dissatisfaction and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75–0.92) for happiness. In subgroup meta-analysis, there were significant associations between different types of junk foods and psychological distress (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that junk foods consumption was associated with increased odds of psychological distress in children and adolescents. These findings support the current recommendation of decreasing junk foods intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We examined the 'nutrients of concern' in pre-packaged food products that are commonly advertised, as per WHO standards and Nova Classification. Methods: This was a qualitative study, using a convenience sampling method, to identify advertisements of prepackaged food products. We also analyzed their content from information on the packets, and their compliance with applicable Indian laws. Results: We found that all the advertisements of the food products in this study did not provide important information about the amount of nutrients of concern i.e., total fat, sodium, and total sugars. These advertisements mostly targeted children, made health claims, and used endorsements of celebrities. All the food products were also found to be ultra-processed in nature and high in one or more nutrients of concern. Conclusion: Most of the advertisements are misleading, needing effective monitoring. Health warnings on the front-of- pack label and restrictions on marketing of such food products may go a long way in reducing non-communicable diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is high along with the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems among children and adolescents. The present study sought to investigate the synergetic effect of soft drinks and sweet/salty snacks consumption, and the moderating role of obesity on preadolescents' emotions and behavior. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1728 Greek preadolescents aged 10–12 and their parents, during the school years 2014–2016. Parental and child characteristics were collected anonymously, through self-administered and validated questionnaires. Among others, soft drinks and sweet/salty snacks consumption was recorded, classifying preadolescents as low or at least moderate consumers, while anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI)) were also recorded. Approximately 6 out of 10 preadolescents were characterized by at least moderate consumption of either sweet/salty snacks, or soft drinks, while 22.7% of the participants had at least moderate consumption of both soft drinks and sweet/salty snacks. Boys and preadolescents with a lower level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet, as well as those living in a more obesogenic family environment were more likely to be in the higher consumption groups. When compared to just either the moderate consumption of sweet/salty snacks, or the moderate consumption of soft drinks, the combination of both unhealthy eating habits was associated with significantly higher odds of both aggressiveness and loneliness, while the examined relationships were significantly stronger in overweight/obese children. The positive synergistic effect of soft drinks and sweet/salty snacks consumption on preadolescents' emotions of loneliness and aggressive behavior is even burdened by obesity status highlighting the urgent need for policymakers to take preventive measures to halt the detrimental consequences of UPFs consumption on health outcomes, particularly in overweight/obese children. The importance of the improvement of children's unhealthy eating habits by emphasizing the association between food intake and emotional and behavioral status is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the consumption patterns and health consequences of junk foods among students of medical university Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A study was conducted among 370 students in a Public Sector University, Karachi from March to November 2017. Medical undergraduates, (1-5 academic year), of both gender were conveniently selected. The average age of the medical students was 18 to 24 years, majority were females. Information regarding junk food eating pattern, preference, timings of consumption, influence of nutritional information on the choice of junk food, any history of physical and psychiatric ailments in past six months were collected. A pretested, both open and close ended self-administered questionnaire consisting of 26 questions were used to collect data to assess the knowledge and health consequences regarding junk food consumption. Results: Out of total 370 participants, 91.4% had the knowledge about the risk and strong connection between weight gain and obesity. Despite of this, 92% participants were consuming junk food. One out of every three students (34.9%) reported hygiene problems, (95%) gastrointestinal issues and (20%) complained about dental problems. A significant association of junk food consumption with feeling drowsiness/lethargic (p-value

Background and aims: Inappropriate or imbalanced consumption of foods may lead to several health problems, especially among adolescents, the complications of which will remain for several years. This study aimed to investigate perceptions, self-efficacy, and the status of junk food consumption and their relationship with demographic variables in female high school students in Shahrekord using Health Belief Model (HBM). Methods: This is a descriptive- analytic study conducted in academic year 2016-2017. Three hundred twenty-three adolescent girls (second grade high school students of Shahrekord) were selected through cluster sampling method. A standard questionnaire, according to the structures of health belief model (perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy) and a checklist for assessment of junk food consumption was used to collect data. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 16 and descriptive as well as analytic tests. Results: The mean age of the participants was 16.03 ± 1.24 years old. The mean scores of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy in proper consumption of junk foods were 55.66 ± 20.95; the mean frequency of junk food consumption among the students was reported to be 6.17 ± 3.18 times. There was a significantly inverse associations among perceived self-efficacy, severity, and benefit and junk food consumption. The mean frequency of junk food consumption in the schools under investigation was 6.67 ± 3.62 times. Conclusion: Considering the consumption of relatively high amounts of junk foods, the students’ low levels of knowledge and perception and the effect of peer groups, it is necessary to promote students’ nutritional knowledge, change adolescents’ diet, and pay more attention to packaging of healthy foods and making them more attractive

The increasing prevalence of overweight and obese children in the United States draws concern for future risks of various chronic health conditions. Emerging research has focused on identifying causes for obesity among schoolchildren and developing effective interventions for obesity prevention. A primary focus is the availability and accessibility of non-nutritive foods provided in schools that compete with foods offered by the school lunch programs. These “competitive foods” elude the degree of nutritional regulation placed on items offered through the school lunch program. Consequently, competitive foods are generally higher in sugar and fat, and account for a significant amount of total calorie consumption in school cafeterias. Although early measures have attempted to reduce sales of competitive foods in schools, competitive food sales persist due to various factors such as shortened school lunch periods, profitable contracts between schools and outside vendors, and students’ perceptions towards the foods available in the school cafeteria. By identifying these factors, newer interventions can focus on targeting these issues. Discussed are some current interventions that have found some success in reducing consumption of non-nutritive competitive foods, and suggestions on how to develop newer interventions to create lasting effect in reducing risks for childhood obesity.

The purpose of this study is to find out about the fast-food consumption of adolescents between the ages of 13-25 years old in Derna city and its effect on health. The samples included 100 adolescents from both sexes, a descriptive cross-sectional study of teenagers was conducted. The questionnaire was divided into two parts: the first part was related to socio-demographic information and part two to junk food patterns and influencing factors of junk food consumption. A value of P < 0.05 was interpreted as statistically significant. The findings revealed that more girls (67.0%) consumed fast food than boys, and approximately half (49.0%) of participants were consuming fast food as an alternative to the main meal, and more than half of participants (63.0%) were consuming soft drinks every day. The results concludes that adolescents consumed a greater amount of junk food, which subsequently led to a majority of ill effects.

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are among the rising trend and are often caused by modifiable risk factors. Ado- lescents are frequent victims due to junk food consumption and un- healthy diet leading to overweight and obesity. A nutritionally ad- equate and balanced diet is essential for optimal growth and devel- opment. Objectives: A cross-sectional study to assess the knowledge, atti- tude and dietary practices among the adolescents of urban slums. Also, to find the association of Body Mass Index (BMI) with fre- quency of junk foods consumption. Materials and methods: 230 adolescents aged 13-15 years in Benga- luru Urban slums were assessed using multi-stage random sam- pling technique and data was collected. Bowl-method was em- ployed to quantify the measurements of foods consumed. Standard precautions were taken to measure height and weight. Chi-square test was used to find association between BMI and frequency of junk food consumption. Results: Mean age of the students was 14.02 (SD 0.96) and majority were in 8th standard (42.2%). 116 (50.4%) of them were boys. Mean BMI of the adolescents was 20.7kg/m2 (SD 3.6) where, 68 (29.6%) of them were underweight, 62 (27%) were overweight and 4 (1.7%) were obese. Only 39% had good knowledge, 71% had favourable attitude and good practice in 31% of adolescents. There was signif- icant association with frequency of junk food consumption and BMI variation. Conclusion: Adolescents had poor knowledge and practice. Over- weight was more prevalent among boys and Underweight in girls. There was significant association with frequency of junk food con- sumption and BMI variation.

Punjab is considered one of the most blessed provinces of Pakistan because of its fertile soil. It is also most populated province of Pakistan. Majority of the people rely on their livelihood on agriculture and livestock. Women are also participating equally to perform different activities related to farming. Their contribution is remarkable and significant in this sector, but they are facing many problems while performing agricultural activities like health issues, lack of access to use of new farming technologies, access to market, transport problem, work burden, domestic chores related problems and many others. The study was carried out to highlight the issues of females in performing agricultural activities in the Department of Sociology, G.C.University Faisalabad during 2019. Data was collected from four hundred women of three districts of Punjab i.e. Multan, Rawalpindi and Chiniot. Research revealed that illiteracy, health issues, unsafe practises of faming, transport issues, inadequate wages and many other hurdles were stumbling block in the way of women participation in farming system. It is considered male profession, and this attitude of society restricts the women excess to market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at University of Education, Faisalabad Campus, Pakistan during the year 2019. The term food literacy is a new addition in nutrition and health fields. Majority of students are interested in readymade foods decorated on institutions cafeterias. Parents are unwilling in changing food habits for their children due to ignorance and it is easy for them to provide readymade food. The current research is conducted under grounded theory approach. The objective was to investigate the difference in perceptions about food literacy, health risks and academic wellbeing of farmers' children. A sample of 200 children of farmers was selected on the basis of demographic characteristics. Data were collected with the help of self-developed instrument. The results showed that male students were more knowledgeable about food literacy and academic wellbeing than that of females. The students of rural areas were more conscious about food literacy, junk food, and health risks than that of urban areas students. The science students were more aware about junk food and academic wellbeing than that of arts students. There is a significant and strong positive correlation among the indicators of food literacy, junk food, health risks and academic wellbeing. It is recommended that university students should be familiar with dietary habits and health risks through conducting seminars and awareness programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity and hypertension are being common to the human population. The cause for obesity and hypertension is cardiovascular diseases, strokes and attacks which lead to death. Materials and Methods: A group of 100 participants was considered among the normal population where the age ranges >20 years. Questionnaire-based study was done among them. Where the questions are of mainly based on their awareness of the junk foods, their major prefference mode of food, and their range of their blood pressure. Then, the data were collected and analyzed statistically. Results: There is a significant increase in peak flow rate (P < 0.005) in which people has awareness of their weight and hypertension though they prefer fried foods. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the overeating of junk foods leads to cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and also causes obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether parents' and adolescents' dietary behaviors for fruits and vegetables [FV], junk foods, and sugar sweetened beverages [SSBs] align with parents' food parenting practices for these behaviors.Design: Data from the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health and Eating (FLASHE), a cross-sectional, internet-based study, were analyzed.Participants: Parent and adolescent dyads (n = 1859) representative of the general U.S.Population: Main Outcome Measures: Dependent variables: adolescent and parental dietary behaviors.Independent Variables: parents' food parenting practices for FV, SSBs, and junk food were assessed.Analysis: General linear models with test of equal slopes were used to test study aims.Results: Parents' diets and food parenting practices were consistent with their dietary behaviors. For their adolescents, parenting practices for FV consumption was positively related to adolescents' FV consumption, but parents/caregivers' rules/limits to avoid junk food/SSBs were positively related to adolescents' junk foods and SSBs consumption.Conclusions and Implications: Continued parental modeling of dietary practices is important during adolescence. Future analyses should investigate adolescents' perceptions of parents' practices and behaviors as well as their exposure from other sources and their effect on adolescent (dietary) decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated. The normal blood pressure when a person is said to be at rest is within the range of 100-140 mmHg systolic and 60-90 mmHg diastolic. High blood pressure is said to be present if it is above 140/90 mmHg. High blood pressure is classified as primary high blood pressure and secondary high blood pressure. About 95% of hypertensive cases are primary and are defined as high blood pressure due to a different lifestyle and genetic factors. Lifestyle factors that increase the risk include excess salt in the diet, excess body weight, smoking, and alcohol use. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire containing around 15 questions was prepared and 100 adolescent students whose age ranging from 12 to 18 years were asked to take up the survey, and the corresponding results were concluded. Results: The results were found to be that a large number of students did not check their blood pressure regularly and 54% of the students got stressed quite often, and 44% of the students were less bothered about their health and skipped their breakfast. Although 60% of the students were already aware that junk foods can elevate blood pressure they still continued to eat it, 60% of the students were not aware that eating fruits can reduce their chances of blood pressure, 58% of the students were aware that physical inactivity caused hypertension, and 65% of the students were not aware that junk foods can cause stroke and ischemic disease. A large number of students were not aware that hypertension shows no symptoms and 61% of the students preferred low salt intake as a precaution measure to hypertension while the others preferred doing exercise and eating vegetables and fruits. Conclusion: Awareness of lifestyle induced disorders among the adolescents is necessary as it can be beneficial to them as well as they can educate the future generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Junk food product are mostly liked by children for various reason though it they are not supplying any health benefits. This article is a study mother's perception on children food behaviour as mothers are considered to be the greatest part in their children food habits. This study explores the reasons behind the children liking towards junk food and their parents reaction towards this issue. The factor influencing to buy junk foods the health issues due to its consumption, parent's awareness about food habits and their preferences are the primary analyses of this article. By revealing these factors, the study brings exact perception of mothers and some guidelines to avoid junk foods in their children's life style. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the consumption patterns and health consequences of junk foods among students of medical university Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A study was conducted among 370 students in a Public Sector University, Karachi from March to November 2017. Medical undergraduates, (1-5 academic year),of both gender were conveniently selected. The average age of the medical students was 18 to 24 years, majority were females. Information regarding junk food eating pattern, preference, timings of consumption, influence of nutritional information on the choice of junk food, any history of physical and psychiatric ailments in past six months were collected. A pretested, both open and close ended self-administered questionnaire consisting of 26 questions were used to collect data to assess the knowledge and health consequences regarding junk food consumption. Results: Out of total 370 participants, 91.4% had the knowledge about the risk and strong connection between weight gain and obesity. Despite of this, 92% participants were consuming junk food. One out of every three students (34.9%) reported hygiene problems, (95%) gastrointestinal issues and (20%) complained about dental problems. A significant association of junk food consumption with feeling drowsiness/lethargic (p-value <0.001) was observed. Moreover, knowledge regarding high risk of noncommunicable diseases among junk foods users also found significantly higher (p-value 0.045). Conclusion: Current study revealed that, though awareness regarding health hazards of the junk food was found higher among medical students, its consumption is highly prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the potential associations of adherence to the Mediterranean diet with gut microbiota characteristics and gastrointestinal symptomatology in an adult population. Other long-term dietary habits (e.g. consumption of snacks and junk food or stimulant intake) were also evaluated in terms of the gut microbiota profile. Participants (n 120) underwent anthropometric, dietary, physical activity and lifestyle evaluation. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using a Mediterranean diet score, the MedDietScore, and subjects were classified into three tertiles according to individual adherence scoring. Gut microbiota composition was determined using quantitative PCR and plate-count techniques, and faecal SCFA were analysed using GC. Gastrointestinal symptoms were also evaluated. Participants with a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet had lower Escherichia coli counts (P=0·022), a higher bifidobacteria:E. coli ratio (P=0·025), increased levels and prevalence of Candida albicans (P=0·039 and P=0·050, respectively), greater molar ratio of acetate (P=0·009), higher defaecation frequency (P=0·028) and a more pronounced gastrointestinal symptomatology compared with those reporting low adherence. A lower molar ratio of valerate was also observed in the case of high adherence to the Mediterranean diet compared with the other two tertiles (Pfor trend=0·005). Positive correlations of MedDietScore with gastrointestinal symptoms, faecal moisture, total bacteria, bifidobacteria:E. coli ratio, relative share of Bacteroides, C. albicans and total SCFA, as well as negative associations with cultivable E. coli levels and valerate were indicated. Fast food consumption was characterised by suppressed representation of lactobacilli and butyrate-producing bacteria. In conclusion, our findings support a link between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and gut microbiota characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: Physical activity is defined as any physical movement made by the skeletal muscles that need energy. Practicing it daily reduces the chances of acquiring non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This study was performed to analyze the awareness and practice of daily physical activities among young adult people. Materials and Methods: A survey based on the topic was conducted among Chennai population with the sample size of 120, and finally, data were compiled and result was generated. The questionnaire is based on their frequency of daily physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, consuming junk foods, etc. All the data were collected and analyzed systematically for any association between the parameters involved. Results: The result shows that 61 of the total population have not even bothered to do any physical activity and the remaining 39% has several workout practices either daily or periodically twice a week. Conclusion: The sample population of the present generation is aware of the benefits of doing daily physical activity, but unluckily most of them do not practice any daily physical activity regularly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The impact of skipping breakfast on the health of developing children, particularly in adolescents, remains a much-debated health issue. In general, the morning breakfast is the most vital food of the day, which nourishes and supplements the body with energy after a long overnight fasting. Thus, the aim of the study is to examine the relationship between breakfast skipping and type of breakfast consumed with nutrient intake, nutrient adequacy, and adiposity status by questionnaire-based survey. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 young adult undergraduate students of Saveetha Dental College were subjected for a list of standard and approved questions on the basis of breakfast, body weight, and nutritional food intake in their daily life. The data collected were analyzed systematically and were represented as pie chart for plotting the distribution of various responses. Results: Thus, it is inferred from the data that people who skip breakfast, improper balanced diet, insufficient physical activities in day-to-day life, craving oily foods, and lacking healthy nutritional intake, etc., seemed to have a correlation between breakfast skipping, healthy nutrition intake, and obesity. Conclusion: Regular skipping of breakfast and consuming malnourished, unhealthy junk foods may have a serious and deleterious effect on the health condition of the students and thereby affecting their entire body functionality leading to both psychological and physical disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low attention to dairy product consumptions and high intake of junk foods and bakery products might be related to high prevalence of chronic diseases because of their fat content and fatty acid composition. Objective: In this study we investigated the kind and amount of fatty acid content in Iranian junk foods, dairy, and bakery products Materials and Methods: Some common brands of Iranian′s junk foods, dairy, and bakery products were chosen randomly from different supermarkets in Iran. The amount of 10 g sample was considered for fatty acid analysis by gas chromatography equipment with flam ionization detector. Results: In this study stearic acid (C18:0) and palmitic (C16:0) acid have the highest amount among other saturated fatty acids in all groups. In junk foods and bakery products, the most common trans-fatty acid (TFA) is elaidic acid (C18:1 9t) with ranging from 2.4% to 18.5% and in dairy products vaccinic acid (C18:1 11t) has the high level of TFAs among others (2.1% to 11.5%). Conclusion: The amount of TFAs in Iranian junk foods and bakery products was in a high level.

Context: Fast foods are quite popular among children owing to taste, appearance and hype created by mass media. However, the increased incidence of lifestyle disorders seen now-a-days at an early age could be attributed to fast foods. Aim: This study was done to assess the awareness of health hazards, consumption pattern of fast foods and to find out its association with overweight among high school students. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was done among boys of 3 private schools in Mangalore city in March 2012. Materials and Methods: Data was collected using a semistructured self-administered questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA and binary logistic regression analysis was used for analysis. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant association. Results: Mean age of boys was 13.5±0.9 years. Out of 300 participants, 41(13.7%) were overweight and 8 (2.7%) were obese. 292(97.3%) were fast food users of which 42(14.4%) consumed it every day. Majority of participants were introduced to fast foods through television commercials 193(64.3%). 73(57%) developed this habit as they were bored with home food. Awareness of harmful effects of fast food consumption was known to 186(62%) students and this was found to be associated with the perceived need to control its usage (p

Context: Fast foods are quite popular among children owing to taste, appearance and hype created by mass media. However, the increased incidence of lifestyle disorders seen now-a-days at an early age could be attributed to fast foods. Aim: This study was done to assess the awareness of health hazards, consumption pattern of fast foods and to find out its association with overweight among high school students. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was done among boys of 3 private schools in Mangalore city in March 2012. Materials and Methods: Data was collected using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA and binary logistic regression analysis was used for analysis. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant association. Results: Mean age of boys was 13.5±0.9 years. Out of 300 participants, 41(13.7%) were overweight and 8 (2.7%) were obese. 292(97.3%) were fast food users of which 42(14.4%) consumed it every day. Majority of participants were introduced to fast foods through television commercials 193(64.3%). 73(57%) developed this habit as they were bored with home food. Awareness of harmful effects of fast food consumption was known to 186(62%) students and this was found to be associated with the perceived need to control its usage (p<0.001). Parental consumption of fast foods was found to influence fast food consumption among children (p=0.024). As many as 68(22.7%) and 206(68.7%) children were not eating vegetables and fruits respectively every day. Increased frequency of fast food consumption in a week was found to be associated with overweight or obesity among children after adjusting the effects of confounders (p=0.003). Conclusion: Awareness on health hazards of fast foods needs to be taught at schools so as to minimize its consumption. Parents have to set an example themselves by not eating fast foods and improving home food to support discouragement of fast foods. This would minimize life style disorders among children to a greater extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Low attention to dairy product consumptions and high intake of junk foods and bakery products might be related to high prevalence of chronic diseases because of their fat content and fatty acid composition. OBJECTIVE: In this study we investigated the kind and amount of fatty acid content in Iranian junk foods, dairy, and bakery products. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Some common brands of Iranian's junk foods, dairy, and bakery products were chosen randomly from different supermarkets in Iran. The amount of 10 g sample was considered for fatty acid analysis by gas chromatography equipment with flam ionization detector. RESULTS: In this study stearic acid (C18:0) and palmitic (C16:0) acid have the highest amount among other saturated fatty acids in all groups. In junk foods and bakery products, the most common trans-fatty acid (TFA) is elaidic acid (C18:1 9t) with ranging from 2.4% to 18.5% and in dairy products vaccinic acid (C18:1 11t) has the high level of TFAs among others (2.1% to 11.5%). CONCLUSION: The amount of TFAs in Iranian junk foods and bakery products was in a high level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to use path analysis to determine the association between perceived parental attitudes toward restricting junk food (JF)/sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and JF/SSB consumption among Chinese adolescents, and whether JF/SSB availability in the home environment and autonomous motivation of adolescents mediated the association. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using questionnaires adapted from the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) Study to collect data on 3819 participants with an average age of 14.7 years (SD = 1.7). Spearman correlations and path analysis were performed. It was found that perceived parental attitudes were not directly associated with adolescents' JF/SSB consumption frequency, but indirectly related to them through JF/SSB availability in the home environment and autonomous motivation of adolescents. When parents held a less positive attitude toward JF/SSB consumption and kept less JFs/SSBs at home, youth displayed more autonomous motivation for restricting JF/SSB intake and consumed fewer JFs/SSBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Only a few studies have attempted to assess the relationship between junk food consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors in Iranian children and adolescents; therefore, the aim of our study was to determine the association between junk food intake and cardiometabolic risk factors in this population., Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study., Methods: A total of 14,400 students were selected from 30 provinces of Iran using multistage, stratified cluster sampling method. Information about student's lifestyle, health behaviors and health status was obtained through a validated questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured and anthropometric indices were calculated. Blood samples were drawn from 3,303 students for biochemical tests. In our study, sugar-sweetened beverages, salty snacks, sweets and fast foods were considered as junk foods., Results: The mean age of participants was 12.42 ± 2.97 years. Those with metabolic syndrome were more likely to live in urban areas (P = 0.004) and have higher BMI (P < 0.0001). Junk food intake was not related to metabolic syndrome; however, it was associated with increased odds of high BP (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09, 1.39), high SBP (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.09, 1.75), and high DBP (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04, 1.35), overweight (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08, 1.39) and excess weight (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04, 1.25)., Conclusions: Junk food consumption plays an important role in childhood overweight and is related to high blood pressure in this population., Level of Evidence: Level III, case-control analytic studies.