Food choices and the younger generation

Abstract

Food choice is influenced by many factors including physical, social and psychological ones. In this research, the food choices of young people in the 9–15 age group were investigated and the possible factors influencing them examined. Observations and questionnaires carried out in schools within Northern Ireland indicated that many young people are inclined to choose high‐fat and high‐sugar products and often dislike fresh fruit and vegetables. This raises concern, especially with the continued high incidence of coronary heart disease within the province. Further work has suggested that young people are aware of current nutrition policies and the importance of healthy eating, but still fail to put this knowledge into practice.

Impact of Socioeconomic and Social Contexts on Youth Perceptions of School Nutrition Policy Development in Lebanon

“…However, students were able to clearly define healthy food and lifestyle but in practice their behaviors and food choices reflect that knowledge alone does not bring about change [3,8,37]. Other factors including peer acceptance and seeking social identity have greater influence resulting in less healthy food choices and sedentary lifestyle [8,9,11,39].…”

“…However, students were able to clearly define healthy food and lifestyle but in practice their behaviors and food choices reflect that knowledge alone does not bring about change [3,8,37]. Other factors including peer acceptance and seeking social identity have greater influence resulting in less healthy food choices and sedentary lifestyle [8,9,11,39]. Another area of influence is advertising (TV, magazines, billboards, groceries) and it is evident as reported in this study that youth are influenced by advertising methods especially "images", such as the use of characters on packaging, the television food advertisements, the advertisements done by the popular local and international artists [8,10,36,39,40].…”

“…Establishing sustained alliances between schools, families, communities, health professionals, media and food industries, and influential politicians or popular idols creates a more health-promoting environment in order to ensure the SNP acceptance by youth and its sustainability [11,25]. physical and socioeconomic environments [8,[14][15]. Time constraints, taste, advertising, nutrition promotion and education especially if delivered by their idols are the primary factors motivating their food behaviors and physical activity [7,8,11,29].…”

“…physical and socioeconomic environments [8,[14][15]. Time constraints, taste, advertising, nutrition promotion and education especially if delivered by their idols are the primary factors motivating their food behaviors and physical activity [7,8,11,29].…”

“…Thus, there is a need to add more realism into economic analysis by incorporating the sociological, psychological, physiological and behavioral aspects of dietary and physical activity patterns [4,7]. Such a comprehensive approach reveals a broader range of policy options to increase the likelihood that individuals will have better lifestyles and helps nutritionists, economists and policymakers better understand food choices [3,4,8,9].…”