Saudi teen food trends: Study reveals ongoing shift towards fast food consumption (2024)

FAQs

Saudi teen food trends: Study reveals ongoing shift towards fast food consumption? ›

One in three Saudi Arabian youths consume fast food more than twice a week, sparking concerns that the nation's rapid economic development is leading to dramatic shifts in eating habits. Furthermore, around 85% of Saudi Arabian youths claimed to prefer fast foods to home-cooked food.

(2021) reported five distinct dietary patterns in Saudi Arabia, including sugary, starchy, date-and-coffee, traditional, healthful, and protein. According to their findings, sweets are widely consumed, starch patterns are more common among men, and healthy eating habits are more common among older, educated men.

Results: Most (81.4%) consumed fast food more than twice per week and more men than women were overweight or obese (54.8% vs. 38.7%, respectively; P = 0.002); however, there were no differences in the fast-food frequency per body mass index or sex.

In Saudi Arabia, a study conducted in 2020 indicated a high consumption of fast-food and junk food (87%) [3]. An earlier study conducted among Saudi adolescents showed that around 85% of adolescents prefer to eat fast-food instead of homemade food [16].

Negative attitudes also originated from the health concerns of adolescents: “fast food has a high amount of fat and increases the cholesterol and weight” (female, 17 years old); it was also said that “fast-food consumption results in a heart attack” (female, 16 years old); “fast foods lead to infertility and cancer” ( ...

One in three Saudi Arabian youths consume fast food more than twice a week, sparking concerns that the nation's rapid economic development is leading to dramatic shifts in eating habits. Furthermore, around 85% of Saudi Arabian youths claimed to prefer fast foods to home-cooked food.

Kabsa. This traditional dish is a wholesome combination of rice mixed with meat, vegetables, potatoes, flavoured with spices like black pepper, cloves, cardamom, saffron, black lime, bay leaves and nutmeg. Considered as the national dish of Saudi Arabia, Kabsa is an intrinsic part of the region's culinary heritage.

According to a study by CEO World Magazine, the United States and the United Kingdom are the most fast-food-obsessed countries in the world. France and Sweden ranked third and fourth spots, followed by Austria, Mexico, and South Korea.

The percentage of caloric intake from fast foods has increased fivefold over the past three decades among adolescents [1, 2].

What is the junk food in Saudi Arabia? ›

Various types of junk food is available in market out of which the most popular junk food are soft drink, pizza, hamburgers, potato chips, ice-creams, hot dog, French fries, cheese chili, etc. Junk food addiction is high as it's easy to prepare and are tasty.

The greater availability of fast food and junk food in combination with a low activity lifestyle has contributed to the obesity trend. Other factors include the impact of technology and a high consumption of rice and bread.

The study unveiled that a staggering 4.06 million tons of food, equivalent to 33.1% of targeted commodities, are wasted each year, with an average individual contributing approximately 184 kilos of food waste. The research, covering all regions of Saudi Arabia, highlighted specific food categories prone to waste.

Long-term effects of junk foods

In the long-term, eating junk food can lead to: type 2 diabetes. heart-related problems (such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol) overweight and obesity.

High Sugar Intake or Caloric Intake leading to High BMI and Obesity. Ingesting more sugar, fat, or processed food affects many processes in the body that have been thought to trigger early puberty.

Children who consume fast food on a regular basis are more likely to be overweight or obese and have an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Food consumption pattern refers to the amounts, proportions, variety, and frequency with which different foods and beverages are habitually consumed in diets. It is an important aspect of household welfare, living standards, and economic performance of countries.

The two main meals of the day are suhur (immediately before dawn) and iftar (immediately after sunset). These mealtimes are also related to two of the five main prayers Muslims perform every day. Muslims may consume other meals or snacks at night.

It is common for guests in Saudi Arabia to not begin eating or drinking until the most senior person at the table has begun their meal. The start of the meal is also signified by saying 'Bismillah'. Using the correct hand: As a sign of respect in Saudi Arabia, you should only use your right hand to eat or pass food.

With several notable exceptions, Saudi Arabia's demographic patterns show a marked similarity to those experienced in the region as a whole. The average rate of population growth in both Saudi Arabia and the Arab region is about 3% a year and in both instances fertility rates are high.