Assessing The Public Health Impact of Online Food Ordering Habits: Insights from the Indian Market

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of online food-ordering platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, and Uber Eats has transformed the food service landscape in urban India, providing consumers with unparalleled convenience and variety. However, this digital shift in food consumption behavior has raised significant concerns regarding its impact on public health. This study examined the relationship between online food ordering habits and the prevalence of lifestyle-related health issues, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, particularly within the Indian urban and semi-urban context. A structured questionnaire was administered to 300 respondents selected through stratified sampling, considering variables such as age, sex, income level, and geographic location. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA), and logistic regression to assess the effects of ordering frequency, nutritional awareness, and income levels on food choices and health outcomes. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between the frequency of online food ordering and the incidence of lifestyle diseases. High-income individuals were more inclined to choose healthier food options, whereas nutritional awareness emerged as a strong predictor of better dietary choices across all income groups. Despite this, the majority of respondents reported the limited availability and visibility of healthy options on food delivery platforms. This study underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts from public health policymakers, food delivery platforms, and nutrition educators to promote health-conscious food choices. Recommendations include integrating nutritional labeling, offering promotional incentives for healthy meals, and increasing public awareness through educational campaigns. By elucidating the public health implications of online food ordering, this research contributes to a better understanding of consumer behavior in the digital food economy and proposes actionable insights to mitigate the health risks associated with changing dietary patterns.