By: SATARUPA SARKAR, ABHIJIT DAS
In recent years, significant changes in lifestyle and food habits have occurred in both rural and urban India. Fast food consumption has increased, affecting health, nutrition, and culture overall. Consumption of fast food is particularly high among children and youth, especially high school and college students, as well as working adults. The primary subjects of study were children and youth from rural and urban areas of West Bengal. Traditional food practices and culture are being eroded as fast food gains popularity. This shift is especially evident during evening snacking, leading to nutritional imbalances. Youths are increasingly consuming fast food due to urbanization, media influence, and economic changes. This trend results in nutritional imbalance, obesity, diabetes, and a decline in traditional foods. Local food marketers and traditional vendors face economic challenges, highlighting the need for health education initiatives. However, some individuals may view this as an opportunity to promote traditional foods through advertising, social media, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing their nutritional and cultural value as healthier alternatives to fast food.
