Eating locations and occasions by energy and nutrients food sources among adolescents and young adults

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to estimate the daily energy intake and overconsumed nutrients for adolescents and young adults concerning public health based on the food source, eating location, and occasion. Methods This study constituted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2015 Health Survey of São Paulo focusing on Nutrition with 707 adolescents (n=554, 12-19 years) and young adults (n=153, 20-30 years). Dietary intake was measured using 24 h recall, and energy, added sugars, sodium, and saturated food sources were calculated. Foods were classified using the “What We Eat in America?” classification system. Eating locations were divided into two categories-at home and away from home-for each main meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Other sociodemographic and weight status variables were included. Descriptive statistics, the Wald test, and proportion rates were applied for analysis. Results Most meals were consumed at home by 80.5% of adolescents and 66.4% of young adults. Young adults consumed more daily calories and saturated fats than adolescents. Both adolescents and young adults consumed equal daily saturated fatty acids, sodium, and added sugars away from home at dinner. Food consumed at home was consumed both at home and away from home, with the main exception of dinner, which consisted of mainly processed foods rich in saturated fatty acids, sodium, and added sugars consumed away from home. Conclusion Adolescents and young adults had meals higher in fat, sugar and sodium away from home than those who ate at home when eaten at dinner. Public health policies and behavioral change strategies should be considered independently of where their meals are consumed but with particular attention to eating occasions.