Fast Food Intake, Emotional and Behavioral Problems among Adolescents with Overweight and Obese Problems Participating in MyBFF@school Intervention Program

Abstract

The prevalence of fast food consumption and childhood obesity has increased rapidly. This study aimed to assess the association between the frequency of fast food consumption in the past week with emotional and behavioral problems of 624 adolescents with overweight and obese problems (mean age = 14.6). Frequency of fast food consumption was assessed through a pre-tested nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire. Meanwhile, the Youth Self-Report questionnaire was used to measure emotional and behavioral problems. Multiple linear regression was used to measure the strength of relationships. The strongest and significant positive correlation was reported between frequency of fast food consumption in the past week and aggressive behavior ( r = .65, p < .001). Weak but significant positive correlations were demonstrated between frequency of fast food intake in the past week with somatic complaints ( r = .328, p < .001) and attention problems ( r = .356, p < .001). Therefore, adolescents with obese and overweight problems and their parents should be instilled awareness about the association between fast food consumption and emotional and behavioral problems to achieve their psychological well-being.