With the widespread use of online food delivery applications, these services have become more than a matter of convenience. They are now recognised as a dietary and public health phenomenon that warrants closer investigation. Globally, the number of food delivery app users increased from approximately 806 million in 2018 to more than 2.1 billion in 2024, with projections indicating that this figure could reach 2.5 billion within the next two years.  

In light of these trends, a collaborative research team from several government institutions in the Sultanate of Oman, in partnership with Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, conducted a study to assess the prevalence of food delivery app use among Omani residents in Muscat Governorate and to examine its relationship with overweight and obesity. 

The questionnaire-based study included 467 participants. The findings showed that the use of food delivery apps was particularly common among younger adults, unmarried individuals, those with lower levels of physical activity, participants with higher educational attainment, and individuals without chronic diseases. The study also found that around two-thirds of participants frequently ordered unhealthy food options, most of which included desserts, with an average of approximately two orders per week. 

Living alone emerged as one of the main reasons for using food delivery apps, alongside their accessibility and convenience. Previous studies have also shown that the appearance and price of food influence consumers’ choices, whereas taste preferences and cost often discourage healthier food selections. 

Contrary to expectations, the study found no statistically significant association between the use of food delivery applications and overweight or obesity. The researchers suggest that the relatively moderate frequency of online food orders among most participants may have contributed to the absence of a clear relationship. 

The study highlights the importance of continuing to monitor the impact of food delivery applications on dietary behaviour and public health in the Sultanate of Oman. 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335525000051