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Journal of Global Public Health 7(2):p 43-53, July - Dec 2025. | DOI: n.a
Original Article
Psychosocial and Neurological Impacts of Fast Food: Emotional, Cultural, and Cognitive Effects Across Populations
Sagar Ashok Bayaskar, Lovepreet Singh, Manisha Jadli, Aryan Gaur
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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
Journal of Global Public Health 7(2):p 43-53, July - Dec 2025. | DOI: n.a
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Timeline
Received : July 29, 2025
Accepted : December 16, 2025
Published : December 30, 2025
Abstract
Background: Fast food consumption has become a global dietary norm, driven by urbanization, modernization, and accessibility. While physical health consequences like obesity and metabolic syndrome are well- ocumented, there is limited global research integrating the psychosocial and neurological dimensions of fast food intake across cultures. Objective: To examine the psychosocial and neurological impacts of fast food consumption, including emotional triggers, behavioral patterns, cultural norms, and cognitive outcomes among diverse age groups and cultures. Methods: A qualitative meta-epidemiological study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 35 participants aged 18–45 years from varied cultural backgrounds. The data were thematically analyzed, focusing on themes such as emotional eating, cognitive dissonance, cultural influences, and post-consumption effects. Results: Thematic analysis revealed that fast food is frequently used as a coping mechanism for stress and emotional distress, particularly among individuals aged 18–35. Participants reported symptoms such as mood swings, lethargy, poor sleep, and reduced attention span following fast food onsumption. Cultural normalization and peer influence reinforced habitual intake, despite awareness of its negative health consequences. Cognitive dissonance was common, with participants expressing regret post-consumption but continuing due to convenience and emotional reliance. Conclusion: Fast food consumption is not merely a dietary behavior but a culturally and emotionally embedded habit with significant implications for mental and neurological health. This study highlights the need for public health interventions that address emotional regulation, cultural context, and cognitive awareness alongside traditional nutritional education.
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Cite this article
Licence:
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
| Received | Accepted | Published |
|---|---|---|
| July 29, 2025 | December 16, 2025 | December 30, 2025 |
DOI: n.a
Keywords
Fast food consumptionemotional eatingPsychological impactCognitive dissonanceEating behavior Food-related guiltQualitative researchStress and dietMental healthHabit formationArticle Level Metrics
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Timeline
| Received | July 29, 2025 |
| Accepted | December 16, 2025 |
| Published | December 30, 2025 |
licence
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
