Unhealthy Eating Habits among Young People

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Nov 24, 2024

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1 Unhealthy Eating Habits among Young People Student Course Institution Professor Date Unhealthy Eating Habits among Young People Unhealthy eating habits among young individuals have become alarmingly prevalent in recent years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fast food and processed snack consumption has significantly increased among adolescents globally (Stavridou et al., 2021). In the United States alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that only about 21% of teenagers consume the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Concurrently, around 14% of adolescents consume fast food more than once a day. Discussing this issue is paramount due to its profound impact on the health and well-being of young individuals. Bennett & Coe (2021) posits that poor dietary choices at a young age often lead to adverse health outcomes in adulthood. Research published in the Journal of Nutrition shows that inadequate nutrition during adolescence can lead to a higher risk of chronic diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular issues, and diabetes later in life. These habits not only affect

2 physical health but also substantially impact mental well-being. That is because nutrition is crucial in cognitive development and emotional stability during essential developmental stages. II. Factors Contributing to Unhealthy Eating Habits A. Socio-cultural Influences The influence of media and societal beauty standards significantly shapes young individuals' eating habits. Mainly, social media platforms overwhelm adolescents with images promoting unrealistic body ideals and glorifying certain food behaviors. According to Bennett & Coe (2021), there is a correlation between exposure to social media content that idealizes unhealthy eating habits and the increased likelihood of adolescents adopting these behaviors to emulate what's perceived as 'normal.' Moreover, advertising strategies by the food industry heavily promote high-calorie products and often target young audiences. The availability of fast-food advertising influences adolescents' food preferences and consumption patterns (Ferdinands & Raine, 2022). That makes unhealthy choices seem more appealing and desirable. Peer pressure and social norms further exacerbate unhealthy eating habits among young individuals (Stavridou et al., 2021). Adolescents often conform to dietary practices prevalent among their peer groups to avoid social exclusion. The influence significantly affects food choices, leading to excessive junk food consumption or skipping meals to align with perceived social norms. Health Consequences of Unhealthy Eating Unhealthy eating habits among young individuals have profound and far-reaching consequences on their physical health. The escalation in the consumption of processed foods and insufficient intake of essential nutrients significantly contributes to a heightened risk of various health conditions (Ferdinands & Raine, 2022). There is a direct correlation between poor dietary choices during youth and an increased risk of obesity, which is a precursor to numerous other health issues. Additionally, unhealthy eating habits are linked to the onset of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases like hypertension (Bennett & Coe, 2021). These health implications are not confined to adolescence but carry long-term consequences that persist into adulthood. Fruh & Hall (2021) indicate that individuals who maintain unhealthy eating habits during their youth are more susceptible to chronic health problems later in life, significantly reducing life expectancy. Understanding the gravity of these physical health implications is pivotal in emphasizing the urgency of promoting healthier dietary choices among the younger population. Role of Education and Intervention The role of education and intervention stands as a critical component in combatting unhealthy eating habits among young individuals. Implementing comprehensive nutrition education programs in schools has shown promise in cultivating healthy adolescent dietary behaviors. Fruh & Hall (2021) demonstrate that these initiatives focus on balanced nutrition and meal planning. Understanding food labels significantly improves students' knowledge and promotes healthier food choices (Izydorczyk & Lipiarz, 2019). By integrating such programs into the curriculum, schools can equip students with essential skills to make informed decisions about their dietary habits. Raising awareness about healthy eating habits and their benefits within communities plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals' dietary behaviors. Workshops and public campaigns effectively disseminate

3 information about nutrition and its impact on overall health (Stavridou et al., 2021). Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that community interventions emphasize the importance of a balanced diet, encouraging increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. It is also fundamental to reduce the intake of processed foods among adolescents and their families. Integrating nutrition education informs individuals about the significance of healthy eating and empowers them to make better food choices. Educating young people about the benefits of a balanced diet instills a foundation for lifelong healthy habits (Izydorczyk & Lipiarz, 2019). Employing multifaceted approaches incorporating nutrition education into school curricula and engaging communities can foster a culture that embraces more beneficial dietary practices among teenagers. In summary, the prevalence of unhealthy eating habits among young individuals presents a multifaceted challenge with profound implications for an individual's well-being. Socio-cultural influences and environmental pressures significantly contribute to adopting detrimental dietary behaviors. However, acknowledging the gravity of the health consequences of poor nutritional choices underscores the urgent need for intervention. Implementing nutrition education programs in schools and fostering a culture prioritizing informed dietary decisions are pivotal steps toward mitigating these challenges. Ultimately, collective efforts toward promoting healthier eating habits among the youth are indispensable in cultivating a generation empowered to make informed decisions that positively impact their health. References Bennett, G., Young, E., Butler, I., & Coe, S. (2021). The impact of lockdown during the COVID-19 outbreak on dietary habits in various population groups: a scoping review. Frontiers in nutrition, 8, 626432. Ferdinands, A. R., McHugh, T. L. F., Storey, K., & Raine, K. D. (2022). Reflections on applying institutional ethnography in participatory weight stigma research with young women. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 21, 16094069221100939. Fruh, S. M., Graves, R. J., Hauff, C., Williams, S. G., & Hall, H. R. (2021). Weight bias and stigma: Impact on health. Nursing Clinics, 56(4), 479-493. Izydorczyk, B., Sitnik-Warchulska, K., Lizińczyk, S., & Lipiarz, A. (2019). Psychological predictors of unhealthy eating attitudes in young adults. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 590. Stavridou, A., Kapsali, E., Panagouli, E., Thirios, A., Polychronis, K., Bacopoulou, F., ... & Tsitsika, A. (2021). Obesity in children and adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic. Children , 8 (2), 135.

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