Fast Food and Its Effects on Physical Health and Psychological Well-Being

This study aimed to explore the impact of fast food consumption on both physical health and psychological well-being among adults aged 18 to 45. A qualitative cross-sectional design was adopted, involving 35 participants from diverse educational and occupational backgrounds. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and thematically analyzed to identify recurring patterns and individual experiences. The findings revealed that frequent consumption of fast food was associated with a range of physical health issues, including weight gain (reported by 51% of participants), indigestion (40%), fatigue (29%), and in some cases, elevated blood pressure. Psychologically, 69% of participants described negative effects such as irritability, mood swings, reduced concentration, and feelings of guilt following consumption. Sleep disturbances and reduced daytime energy were also frequently linked to late-night intake of high-calorie, processed meals. Notably, participants who had recently reduced their fast food intake (31%) reported significant improvements in digestion, mood regulation, alertness, and self-esteem.These results suggest that fast food consumption may have compounding effects on both physical and mental health, while dietary improvements can lead to measurable psychological benefits. Public health efforts should therefore address fast food reduction as a strategy for improving overall well-being.