The Impact of Fast Food Consumption on Obesity: Mediating Role of Physical Activity and Moderating Influence of Socioeconomic Status
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v7i3.2235Keywords:
Fast Foods; Obesity; Motor Activity; Socioeconomic Factors; StudentsAbstract
Obesity is an increasing public health concern in Pakistan, particularly among young adults exposed to unhealthy dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles. Fast food consumption has been identified as a major modifiable contributor to excess weight gain, while physical activity and socioeconomic conditions may shape this relationship. Objective: To examine the association between fast food consumption and obesity among hostel-residing students, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of physical activity and the moderating influence of socioeconomic status. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 250 hostel-residing students at Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan, from July to December 2025. Participants aged 18–25 years were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire that assessed demographic characteristics, fast-food consumption, physical activity, obesity-related tendencies, and socioeconomic status. Internal consistency of the scales was acceptable to good (Cronbach’s alpha range: 0.710–0.854). Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, regression analysis, and mediation and moderation analyses using Hayes’ PROCESS macro were performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Obesity scores differed significantly across socioeconomic status categories (F = 6.874, p = 0.002), but not across gender (F = 0.125, p = 0.724) or age groups (F = 0.647, p = 0.523). Fast food consumption showed a strong positive correlation with obesity (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) and a moderate negative correlation with physical activity (r = −0.48, p < 0.01). Mediation analysis demonstrated that physical activity partially mediated the relationship between fast food consumption and obesity (indirect effect: β = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.20). Socioeconomic status significantly moderated the association between fast food consumption and physical activity (β = −0.43, p < 0.001), with a stronger negative effect at higher socioeconomic levels. Conclusion: Higher fast food consumption was associated with greater obesity, both directly and indirectly through reduced physical activity. Socioeconomic status further influenced this pathway. These findings suggest that obesity prevention strategies in Pakistani university students should integrate dietary modification, promotion of physical activity, and consideration of socioeconomic context.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muqadas Mazhar, Shehzad Akhtar Aziz, Nadia Zohair, Marwa Ansar Kazmi, Kainat Qasim, Said Ibrahim Said
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