Relationships between Amount of Fast Foods' Consumption with Depression and Body Mass Index among Medical Students

Given the increasing consumption of fast foods, this study was aimed to determine the amount of consumption of fast foods in students and its possible relationship with depression and body mass index in students.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016. The study population consisted of 600 medical students who were selected using stratified random sampling. In this study, demographic and standard questionnaires were used to measure depression (Beck's tool) and food intake. The data were analyzed using chi-square and independent t-test in SPSS software.

73% of students have been consumed fast foods at least one per week. The majority of students with moderate to high intake of fast foods were single (91%) and male (54%). There was a relationship between fast foods and demographic variables and body mass index. Also, higher consumption had a significant relationship with depression in evaluated medical students (P<0.05).

Higher intake of fast foods has a significant relationship with obesity and depression in students. Thus, it should be carefully monitored to prevent of negative impacts on students' education.