Abstract:
Fast food has mainly contributed to increasing Non-Communicable
Diseases (NCDs) and it is estimated that more than 65 percent of today's
population is suffering from NCDs. Therefore, the objectives of this study
are, first, to identify the reasons for the high consumption rate of fast foods,
and second, to identify the consequences and influences of fast foods
consumption on an escalation of NCD. This study used an exploratory
research design and a qualitative approach. The study was conducted at
Bandaranayke Memorial Ayurvedic Research Hospital in Nawinna and
Borella Ayurveda Teaching Hospitals. NCD patients and NCD clinic doctors
were the two main groups used in the data collection procedure. Purposive
sampling was used to select fifteen NCD patients and ten Ayurvedic doctors
to collect the primary data through semi-structured interviews. The data
were analysed by using content analysis. The fast food has become a
popular concept in Sri Lanka. However, it consists of high amounts of
harmful ingredients, and repeated oil use leads to NCDs. The patients have
eaten fast food because it was convenient, available, tasty, and busy at
work; they disliked homemade food; traditional food was neglected; and
social media advertising. Frequent high consumption of fast food destroys
people's physical and mental health and leads to NCDs. On the other hand,
the consequences of NCDs affect people's disabilities, employee
productivity and labour force, financial waste, and family members’ lives
etc. Therefore, reducing fast food consumption and promoting traditional
food consumption can prevent the consequences of NCDs.
