A Review on the Current Situation of Online Food Delivery Consumption among University Students and Its Relationship with Overweight and Obesity

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Abstract

The rapid growth of online food delivery (OFD) services, driven by internet technology and socioeconomic development, has reshaped modern dietary habits, particularly among urban populations. While global OFD consumption continues to rise, China’s market has expanded at an especially notable pace. In parallel, obesity and related metabolic diseases have emerged as critical public health concerns worldwide. University students, a key consumer group with unique lifestyle and dietary patterns, increasingly rely on OFD due to campus resource constraints and academic demands. However, limited research has examined the association between OFD consumption and health outcomes such as overweight and obesity in this population. Focusing on students at a university in Shanghai, this study analyzes the characteristics of OFD usage and its correlation with overweight/obesity risks. The findings aim to address a research gap and provide insights for targeted health interventions to promote healthier eating behaviors and improve students’ well-being.

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