Abstract
Obesity among children is becoming the largest public health concern. Fast food kid's meals, which are the top selling fast food item sold, have high amounts of fat and salt (sodium) content. This study was conducted to assess fat and sodium content in kid's meals offered in some popular local fast food chains in Jeddah city then compare the results with one-third of the FDA Recommended Daily Value (DV). Some local fast food chains were selected; Kudu, Herfy, AlTazaj, and AlBaik. 33 kid's meals were purchased from these chains and analyzed for their fat and sodium content. The results showed that the average fat was significantly (p <= 0.05) high in Kudu, Herfy, and AlBaik chains, but it was not significantly high in AlTazaj chains compared to the DV. Additionally, the average sodium content was significantly (p<0.05) high in AlBaik chains but not significantly high in AlTazaj chains, while in Kudu and Herfy chains sodium content was significantly (p <= 0.05) low compared to the DV. Furthermore, the study found that the kid's meals offered in popular local fast food chains are an unhealthy option and not compatible with nutritional recommendations for children. This kind of food is responsible for obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, developing a nutrition education program is necessary to increase awareness and control the consumption of such food by children.