Comparison of fastfood consumption among adolescents who engage in amateur sports and those who do not

Dietary habits and physical activities are significant factors affecting individual health. Changing living conditions and work environments today are increasing fast food consumption. The growing consumption of fast food affects both adults and adolescents, leading to various health issues. The aim of this study is to compare fast food consumption among adolescents who engage in amateur-level sports and those who do not. This study uses causal comparison. A face-to-face survey was conducted to determine the participants' demographic characteristics, fast food consumption preferences, nutritional habits, sports participation, and the level of sports they engage in. The survey was conducted with 406 participants, 238 of whom were female and 168 were male. The participants' age ranged from 14 to 18. Adolescents in secondary education attending formal education participated in the research. The statistical analysis of the study was conducted using SPSS 28.0, and data were obtained through chi-square analysis. The statistical analysis revealed that 46.6% (n=189) of the participants engaged in sports, while 53.4% (n=217) did not. When examining fast food consumption in relation to amateur sports participation, it was found that 48.8% (n=145) of those who consumed fast food engaged in sports, while 51.2% (n=152) did not. According to the research findings, fast food consumption was more common among adolescents who participated in amateur sports. Of the fast food consumers, 73.22% were male, and 73.1% were female participants. According to Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile classification, 74.4% of participants with a normal BMI (≥5-<85) consumed fast food. It was found that as the mother's education level increased, the participants' interest in sports activities also increased. In conclusion, adolescents, who spend long hours away from home, have developed changes in their eating habits. Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for acquiring sports and healthy eating habits. In this context, guiding young people toward sports, providing nutrition education courses in schools, and fostering nutritional literacy in children can help them both increase their physical activity levels and develop healthy eating habits. Keywords: adolescent, nutrition, dietary habits, fast food diet, sports