The Relationship Between Junk Food Consumption and Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) Among Students at SMKN 39 Jakarta and A Review from An Islamic Perspective

Abstract

High consumption of junk food among adolescents may potentially affect blood pressure and body mass index (BMI); however, as of 2024, no specific study had examined this relationship among students at State Vocational High School (Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan Negeri [SMKN] 39 Jakarta). This study aimed to determine the relationship between junk food consumption, blood pressure, and BMI among students of SMKN 39 Jakarta, while also examining the issue from an Islamic perspective. This analytical study employed a cross-sectional design involving 87 eleventh-grade students from SMKN 39 Jakarta who were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data on junk food consumption were collected through a questionnaire, while blood pressure was measured using a digital sphygmomanometer, and BMI was calculated based on measured body weight and height. The relationship between variables was analyzed using the Spearman rank correlation test. The results showed that the majority of respondents had low junk food consumption (83.9%), normal blood pressure (66.7%), and normal BMI (41.4%). The Spearman rank correlation test indicated no significant relationship between junk food consumption and systolic blood pressure (r = ?0.102; p = 0.349), diastolic blood pressure (r = ?0.158; p = 0.144), or BMI (r = 0.020; p = 0.854). It was concluded that junk food consumption was not significantly associated with blood pressure or BMI among students at SMKN 39 Jakarta, which may have been influenced by other factors, such as physical activity and overall dietary patterns. From an Islamic perspective, food consumption should adhere to the principles of halal, thayyib, and moderation as part of maintaining physical health.