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Citation: Mititelu, M.; Stanciu, G.;
Licu, M.; Neacs
,u, S.M.; Călin, M.F.;
Ros
,ca, A.C.; Stanciu, T.I.; Busnatu,
S
,
.S.; Olteanu, G.; Boroghină, S.C.; et al.
Evaluation of the Consumption of
Junk Food Products and Lifestyle
among Teenagers and Young
Population from Romania. Nutrients
2024,16, 1769. https://doi.org/
10.3390/nu16111769
Academic Editors: Dominika Guzek
and Miguel Mariscal-Arcas
Received: 11 May 2024
Revised: 25 May 2024
Accepted: 3 June 2024
Published: 5 June 2024
Copyright: © 2024 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
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Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
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4.0/).
nutrients
Article
Evaluation of the Consumption of Junk Food Products and
Lifestyle among Teenagers and Young Population from Romania
Magdalena Mititelu 1, † , Gabriela Stanciu 2, Monica Licu 3, † , Sorinel Marius Neacs
,u4,
Mariana Floricica Călin 5, †, Adrian Cosmin Ros
,ca 6, *, Tiberius Iustinian Stanciu 7,*, S
,tefan Sebastian Busnatu 8,
Gabriel Olteanu 1, Stelut
,a Constant
,a Boroghină9, Teodor Octavian Nicolescu 10, Felicia Suciu 6
and Carmen Elena Lupu 11
1Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-6, Traian Vuia Street, Sector 2, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
magdalena.mititelu@umfcd.ro (M.M.); gabriel.olteanu@mst.umfcd.ro (G.O.)
2
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, “Ovidius” University of Constanta, 900527 Constanta,
Romania; gstanciu@univ-ovidius.ro
3Department of Ethics and Academic Integrity, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; monica.licu@umfcd.ro
4Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Bio-Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila”
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania; sorinel-marius.neacsu@drd.umfcd.ro
5
Faculty Psychology & Educational Sciences, “Ovidius” University of Constanta, 900527 Constanta, Romania;
mariana.calin@365.univ-ovidius.ro
6Department of Drug Analysis, Biopharmacy and Biological Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Ovidius”
University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; felicia.suciu@365.univ-ovidius.ro
7Press Office, “Ovidius” University of Constanta, 900527 Constanta, Romania
8Department of Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and
Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; stefan.busnatu@umfcd.ro
9Department of Complementary Sciences, History of Medicine and Medical Culture, Faculty of Medicine,
“Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
steluta.boroghina@umfcd.ro
10 Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and
Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; teodor.nicolescu@umfcd.ro
11 Department of Mathematics and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Ovidius” University of Constanta,
900001 Constanta, Romania; clupu@univ-ovidius.ro
*Correspondence: cosmin.rosca@univ-ovidius.ro (A.C.R.); tiberius.stanciu@365.univ-ovidius.ro (T.I.S.)
†These authors contributed equally to this work.
Abstract: Background: The long-term consumption of junk food products can lead to nutritional
and metabolic imbalances, especially when it is associated with a lack of physical activity and
the consumption of alcohol or other high-calorie products. Methods: The evaluation of junk food
consumption among teenagers and young people in Romania was carried out with the help of a cross-
sectional study based on a questionnaire. Results: A total number of 1017 respondents participated
in this study, comprising 470 males and 547 females aged between 16 and 25 years. Although the
majority of young people fell into the normal-weight category (607 of them, p< 0.0001), some aspects
can be noted that in the long term can produce a series of nutritional imbalances: an increased
tendency toward sedentarism, with 553 (p= 0.613) of the respondents declaring that they performed
sports rarely or not at all, and a tendency toward relatively high consumption of foods high in calories
(fast food products and especially fried potatoes, hamburgers, shawarma, pastries, and snacks, along
with sweetened drinks and even alcoholic beverages). The respondents participating in this study
even indicated a perceived addiction to the consumption of certain products: coffee (50.48%), fried
potatoes (38.9%), hamburgers (37.05%), shawarma (31.65%), and snacks (30.08%). Many of these
products are rich in calories, saturated fat, and even trans fat. Conclusions: This study highlights
a series of aspects that can have long-term negative effects related to the excess weight associated
with other imbalances: consumption preferences among young people for hypercaloric fast food
products, sweetened drinks associated with reduced physical activity, and even the development of
some forms of food addictions for a series of hypercaloric foods.
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111769 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769 2 of 17
Keywords: fast food; sweetened beverages; energy drinks; physical activity; metabolic syndrome;
insulin resistance
1. Introduction
Research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and studies featured
in esteemed medical publications, like The Lancet, indicate a marked surge in the inges-
tion of unhealthy food among teenagers on a global scale in recent decades [
1
–
4
]. This
escalating pattern predominantly manifests in urban settings and nations experiencing
rapid economic growth. The consumption of such food items by adolescents is influenced
by multifaceted factors, encompassing the accessibility of fast food outlets, convenience
stores, and prominently promoted processed food items. Additionally, social elements and
peer influence significantly impact dietary preferences [
5
–
10
]. Moreover, the aggressive
marketing of junk food tailored to a younger audience, coupled with increasingly hectic
lifestyles that prompt a reliance on fast and expedient, yet often nutritionally deficient food
choices, further contribute to this trend [11–14].
Though precise statistical data fluctuate across regions and countries, the rising preva-
lence of adolescent consumption of junk food is a global apprehension due to its correlation
with diverse health complications, including but not limited to obesity, diabetes, cardiovas-
cular ailments, and other lifestyle-related diseases [15–17].
Mitigating measures aimed at addressing this concern encompass educational initia-
tives designed to advocate healthy eating habits, policies aimed at regulating the marketing
of food products to children, and endeavors aimed at enhancing the availability of nutri-
tious food options within educational institutions and local communities [18–20].
Different demographic groups exhibit varying propensities for consuming junk food,
with some segments displaying more frequent consumption. Among these, adolescents
and young adults emerge as predominant consumers of such food items [
21
,
22
]. Their
dietary preferences are shaped by factors including peer influence, prevailing social pat-
terns, and the allure of easily accessible and fast food alternatives. Moreover, younger
children might also partake in junk food consumption due to its widespread marketing
and availability, although their choices are typically influenced by parental guidance and
decisions. Nonetheless, research suggests that adults, especially individuals aged from
their late twenties to mid-forties, also demonstrate considerable consumption of junk food
owing to demanding lifestyles, reliance on convenience, and established dietary habits from
earlier stages of life. Hence, while adolescents and young adults are commonly spotlighted
as primary consumers, the appeal and ingestion of junk food extend across various age
brackets [23,24].
Junk food items typically exhibit distinctive characteristics that set them apart from
nutritious alternatives, often characterized by elevated levels of refined sugars; unhealthy
fats encompassing saturated and trans fats; excessive salt content; and a dearth of essential
nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This category of food tends to be low in
nutritional quality while bearing a high-calorie load [25–27].
The consumption of junk food can have a substantial impact on the health of individ-
uals. This impact encompasses several repercussions, including the potential for weight
gain and obesity due to the habitual intake of calorie-dense yet nutrient-deficient junk
food [
28
,
29
]. Furthermore, the presence of unhealthy fats and excessive sodium in these
food items heightens the vulnerability to heart disease, hypertension, and related cardio-
vascular complications. Additionally, the heightened sugar content prevalent in many
junk food products can foster insulin resistance, thereby contributing to the onset of type
2 diabetes. Oral health is also at risk as sugary and acidic junk food can prompt dental
cavities and erosion, leading to related dental issues [30,31].
Increased long-term consumption of junk food products can lead to malnutrition,
which can be simple or complex depending on the nutritional deficiency of these categories
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769 3 of 17
of food products and is usually hypercaloric. Moreover, empirical studies suggest a
plausible association between an excessive consumption of junk food and an augmented
susceptibility to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety [32–35].
The adverse health effects of junk food go beyond their composition and extend to the
displacement of essential nutrients from healthier dietary sources such as fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, and lean proteins. Consequently, the cumulative impact of regular consump-
tion of junk food can markedly compromise an individual’s overall health and well-being,
heightening the likelihood of various chronic diseases and health complications [36,37].
There are other aspects that must be considered regarding the safety of consumption
of junk food products; besides the abundance of additives, some products may have toxic
compounds resulting from excessive thermal processing or the excessive use of frying oil
(burgers, fries, etc.) [
38
–
41
]. The quality of the raw material is also very important. The
presence of toxic contaminants in the environment (pesticides, microplastics, heavy metals,
etc.) can endanger the health and even the life of the consumer [42–46].
Junk food encompasses a wide array of products that tend to be high in calories,
sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium while lacking substantial nutritional value. These can
include fast food (burgers, fries, pizzas, and other quick-service meals), sugary beverages
(soft drinks, energy drinks, sweetened juices, and flavored waters), snack foods (chips,
crisps, candy, chocolates, and other high-calorie snacks), processed foods (ready-to-eat
meals; packaged snacks; and convenience foods high in preservatives, added sugars, and
unhealthy fat), and baked goods (pastries, cakes, cookies, and sweet baked items).
According to the latest official reports published by the National Institute of Public
Health in Romania, the number of new cases of obesity diagnosed in children under the
age of 19 registered in 2020 was 6731, representing 18.9% of the total number of cases in
the country. A higher incidence was found in girls and much higher in urban compared
to rural areas [
47
]. The adult obesity rate in Romania is around 10%. In 2018, the rate of
overweight and obesity among 15-year-old children in Romania was 21%, higher values
compared to the European Union average (19%) [
48
]. According to the World Obesity Atlas
2023, the growth rate of obesity in Romania until 2035 will be 2.1%/year for adults and
5.6%/year for children, a fact that will place Romania among the countries with the most
increasing rate of obesity in children [49].
Prompted by the dangers hidden in the excessive consumption of junk food prod-
ucts, a cross-sectional study was carried out based on a questionnaire that evaluates the
consumption of junk food products among teenagers and young people from Romania.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Design
To assess the consumption of junk food, a validated questionnaire [
50
] was dissemi-
nated, which evaluated the frequency of consumption of junk food products (hamburgers,
hot dogs, french fries, shawarma, packed sandwiches, chips, snacks, patisserie products,
packaged cakes, candy, ice cream, other packaged sweet products, chewing gum, sweet-
ened carbonated drinks, sweetened non-carbonated drinks, energy drinks, and coffee)
but also aspects related to tobacco consumption, physical activity, consumption of alco-
holic beverages, and product category food that predominates in the daily diet, along
with information related to sex, age, height, weight, and area of residence. Based on the
anthropometric data, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated [
51
]. The Google Forms
platform was used to disseminate and centralize the answers to the questionnaire, and
the questionnaire was disseminated among high school students during their final classes
under the supervision of teachers and with the agreement of the management and par-
ents. Only teenagers between the ages of 16 and 18 completed the questionnaire. For the
19–25 age group, the questionnaire was distributed among students from various univer-
sities in Romania. Participation in the study involved obtaining informed consent from
the respondents, the protection of personal data, and the preservation of anonymity. The
inclusion criteria for the study were being between 16 and 25 years old; parental consent
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769 4 of 17
for young people under 18; and being a resident in Romania. The study was conducted in
accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Commission of the
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Bucharest, no. 4201/16.02.2024.
The questionnaire was distributed between February 20 and 20 March 2024.
The questionnaire (Supplementary Materials) was uploaded on the Google Forms
platform because it offers a number of important advantages: It provides options for
setting validation rules to ensure the accuracy and consistency of responses; responses
are automatically collected and stored in Google Sheets, allowing for easy analysis and
data manipulation and viewing responses in real time, which is particularly useful for
events or situations where immediate feedback is required; and it provides strong security
measures to protect data, including encryption and secure access controls. Users can also
set forms to restrict access to specific groups or individuals, and the questionnaire can be
easily shared via email, links, embedded in websites, or through social media, ensuring
broad dissemination.
The design of the questionnaire with the help of the Google Forms platform also
provided a series of security measures to protect personal data (blocking the collection of
addresses and identification data of respondents), thus blocking the collection of multiple
answers from the same user. In order to avoid errors related to the age of the respondents,
the answers from all the respondents who accessed the questionnaire were collected in the
platform, but only the answers of those who fell into the age range of 16–25 years were used
for data processing. Thus, out of the 1310 responses recorded, only 1017 valid responses
were retained that fell into the age group followed in this study. Collaboration agreements
were made with schools, universities, and multinational companies chosen in such a way as
to cover the main regions on the territory of Romania, and the adolescents under 18 years
completed the questionnaire after being previously instructed by the teaching staff or
parents, where they were also made aware of the fact that their identities were protected
(the answers were protected so that the identification data of the respondents were not
revealed), and they were invited to answer as honestly as possible. The aspects related to
the protection of the respondent’s identity and the blocking of multiple answers were also
mentioned in the form regarding the terms and conditions of participation in the study.
Also, in the consent form, the study participants were informed that the answers would
be processed and published, and the respondents were invited to answer as correctly as
possible in order not to change the accuracy of the data because their identity was protected.
2.2. Statistical Analysis
First, descriptive statistics were used to present the characteristics of participants. Cate-
gorical variables were presented with absolute frequencies (n) and relative frequencies (%).
The potential associations between preferred non-alcoholic drinks and junk food
consumption with anthropometric data (gender and BMI) were identified by using a
chi-square test.
To visualize the relationships between BMI and participant responses regarding the
consumption of non-alcoholic beverages and junk food, correspondence analysis (CA)
was performed.
Correspondence analysis was performed using XLSTAT (version 2020, Addinsoft,
New York, NY, USA). Statistical Package for Social Science, version 23 (SPSS Inc., Chicago,
IL, USA), was used for descriptive statistics, and a chi-square test was used to validate the
questionnaire and ensure its reliability; p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically
significant [52].
In terms of the representativeness of the sample of respondents, according to the last
census, the population of Romania between 16 and 25 years old is 1,959,584, representing
10.28% of the total population [
53
]. The minimum required sample size for our study,
calculated using the Cochran formula [
54
] for a known population size, was 659 (for a 96%
confidence interval and
±
4% error). The collection of answers from respondents distributed
throughout Romania was also considered.
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769 5 of 17
3. Results
3.1. Socio-Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents
Table 1presents the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondent groups
participating in this study, along with a series of aspects related to physical activity and the
consumption of alcoholic beverages. Most of the participants in this study were teenagers
aged up to 18 (60%, p< 0.028) and from urban areas (81.3%, p= 0.002). More than 54.3%
(p= 0.613) of the respondents rarely performed sports or not at all, and 76.4% (p= 0.590)
declared that they consume alcoholic beverages 2–3 times a week. Regarding body weight,
59.7% (p< 0.0001) were normal weight.
Table 1. Socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics, physical activity, and alcohol con-
sumption of the respondents (n = 1017).
Total Population
n (%)
Male
n (%)
Female
n (%)
1017 (100) 470 (46.2) 547 (53.8)
Age (years) p= 0.028
16–18 610 (60.0) 299 (63.6) 311 (56.9)
19–25 407 (40.0) 171 (36.4) 236 (43.1)
Residence area p= 0.002
Urban area 827 (81.3) 401 (85.3) 426 (77.9)
Rural area 190 (18.7) 69 (14.7) 121 (22.1)
Level of physical activity/sport p= 0.613
No physical activity 44 (4.3) 24 (5.1) 20 (4.2)
Yes, very rarely 509 (50.0) 239 (50.9) 270 (49.4)
Yes, 2–3 times a week 60 (5.9) 26 (5.5) 34 (6.2)
Yes, every day under an hour 275 (27.0) 119 (25.3) 156 (28.5)
Yes, daily for at least an hour 129 (12.7) 62 (13.2) 67 (12.2)
Alcohol consumption (1 glass of
wine, beer = 125 mL, 1 glass of drink
pure alcohol = 50 mL)
p= 0.590
Daily more than one serving 14 (1.4) 8 (1.7) 6 (1.1)
Daily one serving 14 (1.4) 5 (1.1) 9 (1.6)
2–3 times a week 777 (76.4) 368 (78.3) 409 (74.8)
Once a week 13 (1.3) 6 (1.3) 7 (1.2)
2–3 times a month 488 (28.4) 86 (23.1) 402 (29.9)
Very rarely or not at all 176 (17.3) 72 (15.3) 104 (19.0)
Body mass index (BMI) p< 0.0001
Underweight (<18.5) 117 (11.5) 43 (9.1) 74 (13.5)
Normal weight (18.5–24.9) 607 (59.7) 253 (53.8) 354 (64.7)
Overweight (25–29.9) 188 (18.5) 111 (23.6) 77 (14.1)
Obese (≥30) 105 (10.3) 43 (9.1) 74 (13.5)
3.2. Evaluation of Junk Food Product Consumption
Among the categories of food products that predominate in the daily diet are meat
(26.16%), meat preparations (10.91%), vegetable products, and dairy products (Figure 1).
Among the junk food products, the most consumed are pizza and pastries.
According to the recorded answers, among the most preferred junk food products by
young people were fried potatoes (48.57%), pastries, snacks, chips, sweets, and hamburgers
(Figure 2).
The bi-plot indicated that for the BMI group, 92.14% of the observed variability could
be attributed to the two main components (F1: 70.16% and F2: 21.98%). CA showed a
significant difference (
χ2
= 57.42 and p= 0.0051) between BMI and the consumption of the
12 types of junk food products (Figure 3) but not between the frequency of consumption
of the analyzed products and respondents with normal BMI and the underweight group.
There was an increased tendency for consumption of french fries, hamburgers, and hot
dogs among obese respondents.
Coffee (58.6%) and sweetened drinks (37.17%) were two of the top non-alcoholic
beverage consumption preferences (Figure 4) among the young participants in this study.
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769 6 of 17
For BMI, the bi-plot indicated that 88.41% of the variability observed could be at-
tributed to the two principal components for F1 (71.60%) and F2 (16.81%). The CA showed
a significant difference (
χ2
= 52.47 and p< 0.0072) between BMI and the 14 types of
non-alcoholic beverages (Figure 5). Obese and overweight respondents presented similar
profiles related to the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages. There was an increased
tendency to consume sweetened carbonated drinks and energy drinks among obese and
overweight people.
Nutrients 2024, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 18
Figure 1. Food categories that predominate in the daily diet.
According to the recorded answers, among the most preferred junk food products by
young people were fried potatoes (48.57%), pastries, snacks, chips, sweets, and
hamburgers (Figure 2).
Figure 2. The categories of junk food products indicated in the consumption preferences of young people.
The bi-plot indicated that for the BMI group, 92.14% of the observed variability could
be aributed to the two main components (F1: 70.16% and F2: 21.98%). CA showed a
significant difference (χ
2
= 57.42 and p = 0.0051) between BMI and the consumption of the
12 types of junk food products (Figure 3) but not between the frequency of consumption
of the analyzed products and respondents with normal BMI and the underweight group.
There was an increased tendency for consumption of french fries, hamburgers, and hot dogs
among obese respondents.
Figure 1. Food categories that predominate in the daily diet.
Nutrients 2024, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 18
Figure 1. Food categories that predominate in the daily diet.
According to the recorded answers, among the most preferred junk food products by
young people were fried potatoes (48.57%), pastries, snacks, chips, sweets, and
hamburgers (Figure 2).
Figure 2. The categories of junk food products indicated in the consumption preferences of young people.
The bi-plot indicated that for the BMI group, 92.14% of the observed variability could
be aributed to the two main components (F1: 70.16% and F2: 21.98%). CA showed a
significant difference (χ
2
= 57.42 and p = 0.0051) between BMI and the consumption of the
12 types of junk food products (Figure 3) but not between the frequency of consumption
of the analyzed products and respondents with normal BMI and the underweight group.
There was an increased tendency for consumption of french fries, hamburgers, and hot dogs
among obese respondents.
Figure 2. The categories of junk food products indicated in the consumption preferences of
young people.
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769 7 of 17
Nutrients 2024, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 18
Figure 3. The first two dimensions of correspondence analysis (CA) symmetric plot for BMI groups
and all the 12 types of junk food products.
Coffee (58.6%) and sweetened drinks (37.17%) were two of the top non-alcoholic
beverage consumption preferences (Figure 4) among the young participants in this study.
Figure 4. The categories of non-alcoholic beverages indicated in the consumption preferences of
young people.
For BMI, the bi-plot indicated that 88.41% of the variability observed could be
aributed to the two principal components for F1 (71.60%) and F2 (16.81%). The CA
showed a significant difference (χ
2
= 52.47 and p < 0.0072) between BMI and the 14 types
of non-alcoholic beverages (Figure 5). Obese and overweight respondents presented
similar profiles related to the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages. There was an
Figure 3. The first two dimensions of correspondence analysis (CA) symmetric plot for BMI groups
and all the 12 types of junk food products.
Nutrients 2024, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 18
Figure 3. The first two dimensions of correspondence analysis (CA) symmetric plot for BMI groups
and all the 12 types of junk food products.
Coffee (58.6%) and sweetened drinks (37.17%) were two of the top non-alcoholic
beverage consumption preferences (Figure 4) among the young participants in this study.
Figure 4. The categories of non-alcoholic beverages indicated in the consumption preferences of
young people.
For BMI, the bi-plot indicated that 88.41% of the variability observed could be
aributed to the two principal components for F1 (71.60%) and F2 (16.81%). The CA
showed a significant difference (χ
2
= 52.47 and p < 0.0072) between BMI and the 14 types
of non-alcoholic beverages (Figure 5). Obese and overweight respondents presented
similar profiles related to the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages. There was an
Figure 4. The categories of non-alcoholic beverages indicated in the consumption preferences of
young people.
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769 8 of 17
Nutrients2024,16,xFORPEERREVIEW8of18
increasedtendencytoconsumesweetenedcarbonateddrinksandenergydrinksamongobese
andoverweightpeople.
Figure5.Thefirsttwodimensionsofcorrespondenceanalysis(CA)symmetricplotforBMIgroups
andallthe14typesofnon-alcoholicdrinksanalyzed.
Therewasatendencyforanincreaseinthefrequencyofconsumptionofjunkfood
productsamongoverweightandespeciallyobeserespondents(Figure6).
Figure6.FrequencyofjunkfoodproductconsumptionbyBMI(χ
2
=27.06,p=0.025).
Figure 5. The first two dimensions of correspondence analysis (CA) symmetric plot for BMI groups
and all the 14 types of non-alcoholic drinks analyzed.
There was a tendency for an increase in the frequency of consumption of junk food
products among overweight and especially obese respondents (Figure 6).
Regarding the frequency of consumption of sweetened carbonated non-alcoholic
beverages, a tendency toward an increase in the frequency of consumption among normal-
weight respondents can be noted (Figure 7).
Nutrients 2024, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 18
increased tendency to consume sweetened carbonated drinks and energy drinks among obese
and overweight people.
Figure 5. The first two dimensions of correspondence analysis (CA) symmetric plot for BMI groups
and all the 14 types of non-alcoholic drinks analyzed.
There was a tendency for an increase in the frequency of consumption of junk food
products among overweight and especially obese respondents (Figure 6).
Figure 6. Frequency of junk food product consumption by BMI (χ
2
= 27.06, p = 0.025).
Figure 6. Frequency of junk food product consumption by BMI (χ2= 27.06, p= 0.025).
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769 9 of 17
Nutrients 2024, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 18
Regarding the frequency of consumption of sweetened carbonated non-alcoholic
beverages, a tendency toward an increase in the frequency of consumption among
normal-weight respondents can be noted (Figure 7).
Figure 7. Frequency of non-alcoholic carbonate sweetened beverage consumption by BMI (χ
2
=
22.78, p = 0.030).
Regarding the habit of smoking, there was a higher tendency among male
respondents (Figure 8).
Figure 8. Smoke habits by gender.
In general, the increased tendency of coffee consumption was also associated with
the habit of smoking (Figure 9).
Figure 7. Frequency of non-alcoholic carbonate sweetened beverage consumption by BMI (
χ2
= 22.78,
p= 0.030).
Regarding the habit of smoking, there was a higher tendency among male respondents
(Figure 8).
Nutrients 2024, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 18
Regarding the frequency of consumption of sweetened carbonated non-alcoholic
beverages, a tendency toward an increase in the frequency of consumption among
normal-weight respondents can be noted (Figure 7).
Figure 7. Frequency of non-alcoholic carbonate sweetened beverage consumption by BMI (χ
2
=
22.78, p = 0.030).
Regarding the habit of smoking, there was a higher tendency among male
respondents (Figure 8).
Figure 8. Smoke habits by gender.
In general, the increased tendency of coffee consumption was also associated with
the habit of smoking (Figure 9).
Figure 8. Smoke habits by gender.
In general, the increased tendency of coffee consumption was also associated with the
habit of smoking (Figure 9).
In this study, the respondents were asked to assess whether their health status was
negatively influenced by food. Thus, 27.58% stated that they did not consider that food
affected their health, but in Figure 10, it can be seen that this group did not excessively
consume junk food products and were more oriented toward natural drinks. Notably,
22.19% considered food to negatively influence their health, and these respondents were
the ones who mainly consumed junk food products and realized that this type of food
was not nutritious. In addition, 28.22% declared that they did not know if food negatively
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769 10 of 17
influenced their health, and the rest believed that food influenced their state of health due
to excessive or insufficient consumption.
Nutrients 2024, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 18
Figure 9. Smoke habits by the amount of coffee consumption (χ
2
= 78.32, p < 0.001).
In this study, the respondents were asked to assess whether their health status was
negatively influenced by food. Thus, 27.58% stated that they did not consider that food
affected their health, but in Figure 10, it can be seen that this group did not excessively
consume junk food products and were more oriented toward natural drinks. Notably,
22.19% considered food to negatively influence their health, and these respondents were
the ones who mainly consumed junk food products and realized that this type of food was
not nutritious. In addition, 28.22% declared that they did not know if food negatively
influenced their health, and the rest believed that food influenced their state of health due to
excessive or insufficient consumption.
Figure 10. Respondents’ perception of the impact of food on their state of health.
Figure 9. Smoke habits by the amount of coffee consumption (χ2= 78.32, p< 0.001).
Nutrients 2024, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 18
Figure 9. Smoke habits by the amount of coffee consumption (χ
2
= 78.32, p < 0.001).
In this study, the respondents were asked to assess whether their health status was
negatively influenced by food. Thus, 27.58% stated that they did not consider that food
affected their health, but in Figure 10, it can be seen that this group did not excessively
consume junk food products and were more oriented toward natural drinks. Notably,
22.19% considered food to negatively influence their health, and these respondents were
the ones who mainly consumed junk food products and realized that this type of food was
not nutritious. In addition, 28.22% declared that they did not know if food negatively
influenced their health, and the rest believed that food influenced their state of health due to
excessive or insufficient consumption.
Figure 10. Respondents’ perception of the impact of food on their state of health.
Figure 10. Respondents’ perception of the impact of food on their state of health.
According to the recorded answers, the respondents frequently faced states of fatigue
and nervousness, and the female respondents also indicated problems related to emotional
eating and states of depression, panic, or anxiety (Figure 11).
Regarding the respondents’ perception related to the possible development of con-
sumption addictions, it was found that the most incriminated products were coffee,
fried potatoes, hamburgers, shawarma, sweetened drinks, snacks, and pastry products
(Figure 12). There was a slight difference between the sexes.
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769 11 of 17
Nutrients 2024, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 18
According to the recorded answers, the respondents frequently faced states of fatigue
and nervousness, and the female respondents also indicated problems related to
emotional eating and states of depression, panic, or anxiety (Figure 11).
Figure 11. The main problems affecting the respondents’ quality of life.
Regarding the respondents’ perception related to the possible development of
consumption addictions, it was found that the most incriminated products were coffee,
fried potatoes, hamburgers, shawarma, sweetened drinks, snacks, and pastry products
(Figure 12). There was a slight difference between the sexes.
Figure 12. The perception of food addiction among the respondents.
Figure 11. The main problems affecting the respondents’ quality of life.
Nutrients 2024, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 18
According to the recorded answers, the respondents frequently faced states of fatigue
and nervousness, and the female respondents also indicated problems related to
emotional eating and states of depression, panic, or anxiety (Figure 11).
Figure 11. The main problems affecting the respondents’ quality of life.
Regarding the respondents’ perception related to the possible development of
consumption addictions, it was found that the most incriminated products were coffee,
fried potatoes, hamburgers, shawarma, sweetened drinks, snacks, and pastry products
(Figure 12). There was a slight difference between the sexes.
Figure 12. The perception of food addiction among the respondents.
Figure 12. The perception of food addiction among the respondents.
The main reasons indicated by the respondents regarding the consumption of junk
food products were lack of time, satisfying the sweet tooth, the pleasure of consumption,
and advertising (Figure 13).
Among the young respondents participating in this study, the processing of the data
collected with the help of the questionnaire indicated increased preferences and addictions
to the following fast food products: fried potatoes, hamburgers, shawarma, and caloric and
high-fat food products (Table 2). French fries are often eaten together with hamburgers,
which leads to an increased intake of calories and fats, and if they are also accompanied by
sweetened drinks, the caloric intake becomes excessive in cases in which physical activity
is reduced, and the associated consumption is frequent. In the long term, it can lead to
excess weight, the accumulation of adipose tissue, increased insulin resistance, and the
risk of metabolic syndrome. It is also known that junk food products contain numerous
additives, including taste enhancers that stimulate consumption and create addiction
(sodium mono-glutamate, E621).
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769 12 of 17
Nutrients 2024, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 18
The main reasons indicated by the respondents regarding the consumption of junk
food products were lack of time, satisfying the sweet tooth, the pleasure of consumption,
and advertising (Figure 13).
Figure 13. The main reasons for the consumption of fast food or ready-to-eat packaged food.
Among the young respondents participating in this study, the processing of the data
collected with the help of the questionnaire indicated increased preferences and
addictions to the following fast food products: fried potatoes, hamburgers, shawarma,
and caloric and high-fat food products (Table 2). French fries are often eaten together with
hamburgers, which leads to an increased intake of calories and fats, and if they are also
accompanied by sweetened drinks, the caloric intake becomes excessive in cases in which
physical activity is reduced, and the associated consumption is frequent. In the long term,
it can lead to excess weight, the accumulation of adipose tissue, increased insulin
resistance, and the risk of metabolic syndrome. It is also known that junk food products
contain numerous additives, including taste enhancers that stimulate consumption and
create addiction (sodium mono-glutamate, E621).
Table 2. The nutritional characteristics of the fast food products most consumed by young people.
Fast Food Product Kcal Saturated Fats Trans Fats Reference
Hamburger 297 (100 g) 4.49 g (100 g) 0.514 g (100 g) [55]
Shawarma 357 (100 g) 7.14 g (100 g) 0 g (100 g) [56]
Potatoes fried in
vegetable oil 312 (100 g) 2.34 g (100 g) 0.06 g (100 g) [57]
4. Discussion
Following the dissemination of the questionnaire, 1017 responses were collected
(Table 1), with 46.2% of respondents being male and 53.8% female. The respondents were
classified into two age categories, namely teenagers (those aged between 16 and 18 years
(p < 0.028), with 610 participants (i.e., 60%)) and young people aged between 19 and 25
years, with 407 participants (i.e., 40%). Most of the young people came from an urban
environment (81.3%, p = 0.002) and were teenagers.
Among the young participants in this study, 12.7% (p = 0.613) declared that they
practiced sports for at least an hour every day, 27% practiced sports for less than an hour
every day, and 50% rarely engaged in sports activities, while 4.3% said that they did not
Figure 13. The main reasons for the consumption of fast food or ready-to-eat packaged food.
Table 2. The nutritional characteristics of the fast food products most consumed by young people.
Fast Food Product Kcal Saturated Fats Trans Fats Reference
Hamburger 297 (100 g) 4.49 g (100 g) 0.514 g (100 g) [55]
Shawarma 357 (100 g) 7.14 g (100 g) 0 g (100 g) [56]
Potatoes fried in vegetable oil 312 (100 g) 2.34 g (100 g) 0.06 g (100 g) [57]
4. Discussion
Following the dissemination of the questionnaire, 1017 responses were collected (Table 1),
with 46.2% of respondents being male and 53.8% female. The respondents were classified
into two age categories, namely teenagers (those aged between 16 and 18 years
(p< 0.028)
,
with 610 participants (i.e., 60%)) and young people aged between 19 and 25 years, with
407 participants (i.e., 40%). Most of the young people came from an urban environment
(81.3%, p= 0.002) and were teenagers.
Among the young participants in this study, 12.7% (p= 0.613) declared that they
practiced sports for at least an hour every day, 27% practiced sports for less than an
hour every day, and 50% rarely engaged in sports activities, while 4.3% said that they
did not usually practice sports. Thus, it can be observed there is an alarming trend
toward sedentarism among the young participants in the study, with over 50% of them not
performing enough exercise.
According to the respondents’ statements, 17.3% (p= 0.590) of them consumed alco-
holic beverages very rarely or not at all, and 28.4% consumed 2–3 times a month, while the
majority, 76.4%, consumed alcoholic beverages 2–3 times a week, and only 2.8% consumed
one or more servings of alcoholic beverages daily.
Regarding body weight, most of the respondents were of normal weight (59.7% of
them), especially female respondents (64.7% of them), compared to male respondents
(53.8% of them). Among the 117 (11.5%) underweight respondents, most were female (74),
while among the 188 overweight respondents (18.5%), most were male (111), and in the
case of the 105 (10.3%) obese respondents, most were female (74).
In the consumption preferences of young people, meat and meat preparations pre-
dominated (37.07%), and among junk food products, pizza and pastry products were the
main categories. Vegetable products accounted for 23.5% of daily consumption preferences,
a percentage that is below the optimal level (over 50%) recommended by nutritionists
(Figure 1).
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769 13 of 17
The most preferred junk food products (Figure 2) by young people were fried potatoes
(48.57%), pastry products (37.66%), snacks (33.04%), chips (28.52%), sweets (26.45%), and
hamburgers (23.3%).
According to the statistically processed results, overweight and obese respondents
frequently consumed french fries, hamburgers, hot dogs, pastries, shawarma, and pack-
aged sandwiches, while normal-weight and underweight respondents more frequently
consumed candies, packaged sweets, and chips (Figure 3).
Among the most consumed non-alcoholic drinks indicated by the respondents
(Figure 4) were coffee (58.6%), sweetened non-carbonated drinks (37.17%), carbonated
mineral water (33.82%), and natural juices (32.55%).
The statistical data indicate a tendency toward higher consumption of sweetened and
energizing non-alcoholic drinks among overweight and obese young people (Figure 5),
while normal-weight respondents generally consumed plain water, carbonated mineral
water, and black tea. Those who were underweight consumed natural juices and lemonades.
It can be observed that an increased tendency to drink coffee is generally accompanied
by smoking, and in the group of respondents, men were the ones with a greater tendency
to smoke.
More than 28% of the young people interviewed could not answer if food exerted
any impact on their health. We can appreciate that there is a need for an improvement in
nutrition knowledge to understand the impact of food quality on health and to consciously
choose nutritious foods (Figure 10).
A worrying fact found in the study was that although the respondents represented
a young population, according to the recorded answers, there were a series of serious
problems affecting their quality of life, mainly fatigue (44.64% of the respondents declared
that they frequently felt tired) and states of nervousness (33.88% of respondents), and
a higher percentage of these states were recorded among male respondents (Figure 11).
Female respondents additionally faced, in a much higher proportion than male respondents,
problems related to excessive emotional eating, depressive states, anxiety, panic attacks, or
even lack of appetite. A possible explanation would be not only the excessive consumption
of coffee and the relatively frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages or various junk
food products but also the tendency toward sedentarism. Obviously, there are other factors
that should be evaluated, including the duration of sleep, its quality, drug use, and exposure
to pollutants, but diet, along with physical activity, plays a fairly important role in well-
being. Moreover, the percentage of respondents who declared that they felt they developed
an addiction related to the consumption of certain junk food products is worrying, namely
coffee (50.48%), fried potatoes (38.9%), hamburgers (37.05%), shawarma (31.65%), and
snacks (30.08%). Many of these products are rich in calories, saturated fat, and even trans
fat (Figure 12).
The consumption of fast food or ready-to-eat packaged food products was mainly
determined by the lack of time and resorting to these fast food methods (55.46%); the
pleasure of consumption (43.07%), which could also be correlated with food addiction;
the satisfaction of sweet cravings (40.51%), which was much more pronounced in female
respondents and also linked to food addiction; and advertising (33.74%), with female
respondents more receptive to this than their male counterparts (Figure 13).
Regarding the influence of advertising on consumption decisions, the respondents
declared that the most important ones were those broadcast by TV programs and those on
billboards in public spaces.
Regarding consumption preferences for junk food products and alcoholic or non-
alcoholic beverages, there are recent studies involving the Romanian population over
18 years of age that indicate, by comparison, that, in general, among young people (age
segment 16–25 years), there is a significantly higher trend for the consumption of alcoholic
drinks, energy drinks, and fast food products (especially fries, hamburgers, and shawarma)
than among those over 30 years of age [
50
,
51
]. Also, these studies indicate a rather low
trend of consumption of vegetable products (vegetables and fruits) among the population
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769 14 of 17
over 18 years of age, as well as a trend of insufficient hydration. These results are worrying
and indicate the need for the involvement of medical specialists and nutritionists, as well
as competent authorities in developing strategies to improve the eating habits and lifestyle
of the population.
According to an official report published in 2020 by the National Institute of Public
Health in Romania, generated following a study carried out at the national level, the
percentage of smokers among teenagers and young people in the 15–24 age group is
19.97%, and 10.16% of those smoke daily, and 9.81% smoke occasionally [
47
]. The report
also stated that the share of 15–24-year-olds who consumed alcohol in the last 12 months
prior to the interview was 47.11%, and the share of respondents who did not consume
alcohol at all was 38.15%, followed by 17.71%, accounting for those who consumed less
than once a month.
The WHO–HBSC 2017/2018 report states that Romania ranks 6th out of 44 countries,
in descending order, in terms of the frequency of 15-year-old students who smoke at least
once a week, and it also states that Romania is among the countries with an increased
frequency of 15-year-old students who have consumed alcohol at least once in the last
30 days, so Romania is among the countries with consumption higher than 10% for boys
compared to girls, along with Albania, Armenia, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova [
58
].
Related to physical activity, the report published by the National Institute of Public
Health in Romania indicates that the share of children and young people who, in a typical
week, perform sports, fitness, or various recreational physical activities during their free
time for at least 10 min continuously is higher in the 5–14-year age group (50.24%) and
decreases to more than half of the value in the 15–24-year age group (20.47%), and the
average time allocated to sports also decreases [47].
In a long-term study (2001–2018) among the American population, which included
29,970 children (aged 2–19 years) and 44,501 adults (aged
≥
20 years), an increasing trend
of consumption of junk food products was found among children and adults, especially
among non-Hispanic white and black Americans compared with Mexican Americans [
59
].
A study published in 2022 conducted on the basis of a questionnaire completed by 355
respondents from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aged between 20 and 40 years highlighted
an increased preference for the consumption of the following junk food products: french
fries, shawarma, burger, and pizza [60].
Another recently published study (2022) draws attention to the increased tendency
toward physical inactivity and the consumption of unhealthy foods, including junk food
products, among school children from the southern region of India, and the consumption of
unhealthy products was stimulated by taste, increased online food delivery, and attractive
advertisements [61].
The main limitation of the present study is the low participation of young respondents
from rural areas. Another limitation of the study is the subjectivity of the answers to the
questions related to the perception of the impact of food on health because the answers are
also influenced by the nutritional knowledge of the respondents.
5. Conclusions
The present study highlights a series of unhealthy trends in the eating and lifestyle
habits of the young population, such as a tendency toward sedentarism; a trend of increased
consumption of meat and meat preparations; and an increased preference for some junk
food products such as fried potatoes, pastries, snacks, chips, hamburgers, sweetened soft
drinks, coffee and even a relatively high consumption of alcoholic drinks. Many junk food
products are caloric products, rich in unhealthy fats (saturated or trans), and present a
risk of developing addiction to consumption, which is very dangerous for the body. In
the long term, nutritional imbalances can lead to a risk of metabolic syndrome and even
cardiovascular diseases. It is important to present and promote healthy alternatives to
favorite junk food products, not only to young people but also to the population in general.
Nutritional education and guiding young people to strengthen healthy habits are key to a
Nutrients 2024,16, 1769 15 of 17
sustainable increase in the quality of life and viable prevention in terms of pathologies in
the field of metabolic disorders.
Supplementary Materials: The following supporting information can be downloaded at:
https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/nu16111769/s1, Survey: Questionnaire for evaluation
of the junk food products consumption among the teenagers and young population from Romania.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, M.M., G.S., M.F.C. and M.L.; methodology, A.C.R., S.M.N.
and T.I.S.; software, S.M.N. and T.I.S.; validation, M.M., G.S., M.F.C. and M.L.; formal analysis, G.O.,
F.S. and
S
,
.S.B.; investigation, S.M.N., S.C.B., T.O.N. and C.E.L.; resources, C.E.L.; data curation, F.S.;
writing—original draft preparation, A.C.R. and T.I.S.; writing—review and editing, A.C.R. and T.I.S.;
visualization, C.E.L.; supervision, M.M.; project administration, M.M., G.S., M.F.C. and M.L.; funding
acquisition, G.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration
of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Commission of the Carol Davila University of Medicine and
Pharmacy from Bucharest (protocol code 4201 and date of approval 16 February 2024).
Informed Consent Statement: Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.
Data Availability Statement: The original contributions presented in the study are included in the
article, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.
Acknowledgments: Publication of this paper was supported by the University of Medicine and
Pharmacy Carol Davila, through the institutional program Publish not Perish.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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