Fast food consumption and increased body mass index as risk factors for weight gain and obesity in Saudi Arabia

•More than 50% of participants consumed fast food at least once a week.•There were no correlations between variables under study and BMI level.•79% of participants would choose healthier fast food items when offered.

The aim of this study to demonstrate the relationship between fast food consumption and obesity/weight gain among Saudi women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Structured questionnaire was developed and distributed among 253 participants in King Abdulaziz University aged between 18 and 25 years old. The frequency and characteristics of fast food consumption were examined. The present results indicated that more than 50% of participants consumed fast food at least once a week. A large proportion of the sample (56%) never read the nutritional information at the fast food restaurant. However, 79% of participants would choose healthier fast food items when offered. Fast food consumption was not associated with the living status (with family/hostel). A percentage of 59 of participants were obese/overweight but this was not in a relationship with frequent consumption of fast food. Initiate a strong program for health promotion on the nutritional intake should be applied among university students.