Özet:

Problem Statement: Fast food is not a healthy food in terms of energy and other nutritional components. This unhealthy food causes obesity and many other helth problems. All kinds of health problems effect the society by decreasing the labor productivity and increasing helth expenditures. It shouldbe identified why fast food is consumed to decrease the negative effects of fast food to society. Research Aims: The aim of this study is to identify why fast food is heavily consumed despite the various negative effects of it to consumers.Research Method: In this study, questionnaire method and non-probabilistic non-random proportional quota sampling was used for the collection of data. Data was gathered face to face from 1103 customer total of 12 local, national and international chain of fast food business in the city center of Mersin; between May 4 to June 7 by the researcher herself and interviewers.Findins and Results: According to the research results, customers ate fast food because: they are hungry when they are outside, they like the taste, they able to access easily and they are hungry when they are shopping. 4 factors are found from 12 items related to fast food consumption causes. Respectively, are given the following names to these factors: Impact of personal differences, the ability to make food effect, the effect of necessity, the accompanying effect. Identified factors related to reasons of the fast food consumption showed differences gender, marital status, age, income and work status in terms of demographic characteristic.Proposals: Starting with the primary school students, It should be increased the knowledge and consciousness level of society abaout healthy and unhealthy nutrutions to decrease the negative effects of fast food. Broadcasting the Fast food comnmercials espicially on tv and establishing fast food restourants should made difficult

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