Relationship between Teenager’s Junk Food Obsession and Body Image

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between adolescents' preoccupation with junk food and their level of satisfaction with body image. Additionally, this research aims to explore the impact of demographic factors, such as gender, education, and income, on both junk food fixation and body image among teenagers. A study was conducted with a sample size of 180 adolescents, consisting of 84 males and 96 females. The age range of the participants ranged from 13 to 19 years. The adolescents in question exhibit diverse socio-economic backgrounds and possess varying levels of education, ranging from completion of 8th grade to attainment of a bachelor’s degree in arts or sciences. Data was collected through a survey that consisted of a series of questions. The findings indicate an inverse association between excessive consumption of junk food and body image. Additionally, it has been observed that males exhibit a higher propensity for fixation compared to females. Subsequently, a notable disparity is observed among students enrolled in SSC, HSSC, and BA-BSc programs regarding their responses to the questionnaire assessing their inclination toward junk food consumption. Finally, a notable disparity exists in body image satisfaction across individuals of varying socioeconomic statuses, specifically those in lower, middle, and upper strata. The prevalence of an unhealthy eating fixation is inversely related to the promotion of a positive body image.