Consumption pattern, physical activity level and anthropometric indices of consumers of franchised fast food in South western states in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: : Consumption pattern of franchised fast foods is not only a result of necessity but also status reflector for some consumers. Among several factors that determine health, physical activity level is found to play a major role in contributing to healthy lifestyle.

Objective: The study assessed the consumption pattern, physical activity level and anthropometric indices of consumers of franchised fast food in South Western States in Nigeria.

Method: A multi-stage sampling technique was used for the study to draw out 300 samples. A well-structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on fast food consumption and anthropometric indices. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to measure physical activity level. Data were analyzed using the statistical software in IBM SPSS version 20. Level of significance was set at P<0.05.

Results: Greater (56.7%) percentage of the respondents were females. Almost half (46.7%) of the respondents had first degree. Most people in the study preferred roasted and fried chicken to other franchised fast foods. There are 49% of the respondents who are moderately active, just 19% of the respondent were sedentary, and 32% of the respondents were very active. There are 32% and 48% of the respondents that were overweight and obese respectively and a significant difference was observed between female respondents' physical activity and waist to hip ratio (p=0.050).

Conclusion: The study shows high prevalence of abdominal obesity in both gender. Also majority of the population are either overweight or obese.