While the relationship between fast food consumption and obesity is well documented, little research has been conducted on the globalizing impact of Western‐style food in developing countries. This study focused on factors that are associated with obesity such as food habits, amount and frequency of exercise and attitudes and perception towards western food among students of Mahidol University at Salaya, Thailand. Participants were self‐selected within defining parameters of age, student status and Thai citizenship. Data was collected using a qualitative, in‐depth interview technique from 40 undergraduate or graduate students aged 19 to 27 years. An interview guide along with a simple checklist of body weight and height were used as tools. Content analysis was undertaken for qualitative data. Their nutritional status was indicated by the Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated using body weight (kilograms) divided by height (meters) squared. Of the 40 informants, 4 were found to be obese, 2 overweight, 18 normal and 15 underweight (BMI below 18.5). Although the sample size was small, the prevalence of overweight and underweight were roughly generated from these informants as 15% and 37.5% respectively. Among overweight informants, western foods were more likely to be consumed whereas it was neither selected nor avoided among the normal and underweight statuses. Skipping breakfast was a frequent practice among the underweight and normal groups, which is counter to many published results. We conclude that while obese and overweight students are more likely to consume Western‐style food, other factors such as exercise frequency and skipping breakfast also affects the presence of obesity.