Abstract

Obesity Etiology: Examination of Fast-Food Eating among College Students

Susan Stockton and David Mc.A Baker

Objectives: Discussing the etiological constituents of obesity and exploring fast food (FF) consumption among college students are the purpose of this study.

Methods: Electronic surveys were distributed the spring semester 2012. Respondents data were analyzed for mean, standard deviation and frequency distribution based on age groupings.

Results: Survey responses indicated that younger aged college students in this study consumed more fast food than has previously been reported and all ages present contradictory eating behavior with food knowledge. Students admit to eating fast food at least once per week or more.

Conclusion: Analysis of the research data yields continuing concern for health educators to address not only the frequency of fast food consumed but also perceptions of type of food eaten correlating with feelings of energy/ health promotion or accelerated age-related changes.