Adolescents: Prevalence of at least weekly fast food consumption

Definition

Proportion of adolescents (12-17 years) who reported consuming fast food at least 1 time per week. Data were collected from Global School-based Student Health Surveys.

Relevance

Adolescence is a formative time period of increasing independence where personal dietary habits and preferences are formed that may persist into adulthood. Fast food typically has more calories and less nutrients than foods cooked at the home. Excessive consumption of fast food may increase the risk of overweight and obesity.