A Study of Teenagers’ Awareness of Healthy Eating Patterns as a Precursor to Healthy Adulthood

Abstract

The study investigated teenagers’ awareness of healthy eating patterns as a precursor to healthy adulthood in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, by employing a survey research design. A total of two hundred and twenty (220) respondents participated in this research. A self-developed questionnaire consisting of fifty items was used for the purpose of collecting data. Data were analyzed using mean scores, standard deviation, and t-tests. The respondents agreed that eating three times daily, taking fruits once daily, and consumption of soft drinks daily and part of the eating patterns of teenagers. They also agreed that every single food must be nutritionally balanced, that excessive consumption of fat can lead to weight gain and obesity, and chronic diseases, and that carbohydrates provide the major source of energy intake, showing they have a good level of awareness of healthy eating patterns. The respondents agreed that the high rate of sugar consumption leads to obesity, that regular intake of fruits and vegetables prevents old age diseases and high intake of soft drinks leads to a higher risk of heart diseases as part of indices of the effects of unhealthy eating pattern on their adulthood. They also agreed that the interest of teenagers in foods that are in vogue, parents’ financial capability, and parents’ policies determine teenagers’ eating habits. Based on the findings, it was recommended that parents should pay more attention to teenagers’ eating patterns by ensuring that they consume nutritionally balanced meals.

Keywords

• adulthood
• consumption
• dietary habits
• healthy eating
• teenagers