Introduction:

Online food delivery platforms have expanded access to eating outlets in India, leading to a decline in eating home-cooked meals. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with FAFH (Food Away from Home) consumption and explore its link to metabolic disturbances such as obesity and chronic health conditions.

Methods:

• Design: Structured survey-based study
• Sample Size: 60,327 participants
• Data Collected:
  1. Demographics: Age, gender, education, occupation, education
  2. Lifestyle factors: FAFH frequency, awareness channels, participant preferences for receiving scientific information
  3. Health metrics: BMI, chronic conditions
• Analysis: Statistical associations between FAFH frequency and demographic/metabolic indicators

Results:

1. Overall FAFH Consumption: 73.7% consumed at least 1 FAFH meal per week
2. Age:
   1. 20–39 years most frequent FAFH consumers
   2. 20% of this group consumed >2 FAFH meals/week
3. Gender:
   1. Men: 75.3% consumed FAFH
   2. Women: 70.9%
4. Geography:
   1. Urban: 75.3%
   2. Rural: 67.5%
5. Education:
   1. College-educated: 80.2% consumed FAFH
   2. No schooling: 57.6%
6. Obesity Prevalence:
   1.  >2 FAFH meals/week: 18% obese
   2. Normal-weight individuals: 12.7%

Conclusion:

FAFH consumption in India is strongly influenced by demographic factors—young adults, men, urban residents, and educated individuals are more likely to eat out frequently. Increased FAFH intake correlates with higher obesity rates, highlighting the urgent need for targeted awareness and public health strategies.

ADA 2025, 20-23 June, Chicago