Environmental influences on the dietary habits of school-age children and adolescents

Abstract

The dietary habits of school-age children and adolescents are shaped by the influence of the family, school, peers, and the media environment. Proper nutrition during growth and development is important for physical health and cognitive abilities. Modern lifestyles are increasingly associated with irregular meals, increased consumption of energy-dense foods, and insufficient intake of nutritionally valuable foods. As a result, unhealthy dietary habits represent an important public health problem. This paper presents the review of current knowledge on the dietary habits of children and adolescents and the environmental factors that influence their food choices. Particular attention is given to the role of the family, the school environment, peers, and the media environment. The importance of prevention, health education, and a supportive environment in promoting healthy dietary habits is emphasized. It is important to recognize that the early adoption of healthy habits is essential for preserving health and reducing the risk of adverse health outcomes.