Published Paper Details:

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an adolescent as any person between ages 10 and 19. An important transitional phase between the growth and development from childhood to adulthood. Adolescents were selected for conducting this study as it is a period where final growth spurt occurs and where changes in physical, biochemical and emotional development is seen. Since food habits adopted during adolescents are likely to be maintained during adulthood, it is important to identify the correlates of adolescent dietary behaviors to prevent adolescent obesity. Objective was to study the frequency consumption of convenience food, purchasing pattern and source of purchase, along with a comparison in 2009 and 2019. The survey was conducted in Mysore (2009) among 260 subjects and among 104 subjects in Bangalore (2019). Both male and female were included between age 14-20years. A detailed questionnaire was used for collecting the data. Results showed that majority (89%) were staying in hostel in 2019 compared to 2009 (23%). Food pattern was almost similar being non-vegetarians. Convenience food consumption showed, tea/coffee was used daily and no change was observed, soft drinks was consumed fortnightly. There was increase in alcohol consumption in a decade. Fresh fruit-juice was used fairly. Bakery stuff remained the same which was used weekly. Similarly, chocolates were consumed every-day. The weekly consumption of chats (masala-puri, pani-puri, churmuri) had increased from 2009 to 2019. Chips which is supposed to be a favorite snack among youngsters was consumed by majority of subjects which didn�t change. There was an increase in fried-food consumption with average 90%. Consumption of fast-food like noodles and gobi - manchurian was reduced from weekly (50% average) to monthly. Pizza and burger were used fortnightly in 2009 but it had gone down to monthly in 2019. It was important to know the source of purchase of these foods which showed that maximum 91% was from bakeries and then was snack bar (79%) respectively. Very limited subjects used supermarkets and restaurants. But 52% still preferred home food. It was observed that in 2019 maximum expenditure was >500rs per month and 42% had an expense of 50-100rs per day indicating an increase in purchasing power. Thus it was observed that adolescents are more prone to eating outside rather than consuming a proper, healthy and nutritious food which seemed to remain and few had an increase since a decade. Food choices of adolescents have become increasingly unhealthy placing them at increased risk of malnutrition and chronic diseases in the future. Hence adolescents need encouragement and guidance for developing a habit of healthy eating. Teachers and parents can play a major role in bringing a positive and healthy change among adolescents.