The Effect of Nutrition Knowledge and Perceived Healthiness on Fast Food Intake

Abstract

     Fast food intake has become a topic highly concerned among various scholars, since it could unhealthily increase consumers' weight. The objective of the current study is to examine the effect of body shape, perceived healthiness, and nutrition knowledge on fast food intake behavior, all of which should be able to help identify the strategies to minimize fast food intake. For data collection, 150 college students were asked to complete the questionnaire, and 143 cases were used in univariate regression analysis. The model of the current study is statistically significant. Perceived healthiness and body shape are enabling predictors of fast food intake behavior. Perceived healthiness has a negative influence on fast food intake, and large body shape helps reduce fast food intake. The findings help suggest government organization to include health and body-shape concern into their intervention. Future studies should consider use other variables as predictors, such as cost of fast food meal.