Adolescents’ dietary habits relate to parents eating behavior
POSTED February 10, 2009 - 15:34 | POSTED BY Chanchal S. Suri
Last edited by Shikha Patial on February 10, 2009 - 17:02
Los Angeles, February 10: A new study suggests that teens are more likely to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily if their parents do so.
The researchers said that the eating habits of adolescents depend upon their parents and that they are more likely to consume fast food, soda or any other junk food if their parents do so.
The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research today released the policy brief titled, "Teen Dietary Habits Related to Those of Parents". It revealed the findings by the researchers, who examined the 2005 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2005) data of the adolescent consumption of fruits and vegetables, soda and fast food and related parents eating habits.
The policy states that 62 percent Californian adolescents drink soda and 43 percent eat fast food, but only 38 percent eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables. Nearly one-third of adolescents in California are overweight or obese. Poor dietary habits and some other factors are responsible for the obesity.
The researchers found, “Teens whose parents drink soda every day are nearly 40 percent more likely to drink soda every day themselves than teens whose parents do not drink soda and Teens whose parents eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily are 16 percent more likely to do the same than teens whose parents do not eat five servings a day.”
Dr. Robert K. Ross, president and chief executive officer of the California Endowment said, "The research shows us that one of the keys to solving the teen obesity crisis starts with parents, but we must also improve the abysmal food environments in many low-income communities; While parents are the primary role models for their children and their behavior can positively — or negatively — influence their children's health, it is also essential that local officials representing low-income communities work to expand access to fruits, vegetables and other healthful foods."
The study suggests that eating behavior of the parents may help improve eating habits in teens. The study wants to remind that good dietary habits start at home. It may also help in reducing risk for obesity and chronic disease that is caused by the choice of unhealthy foods.
The policy brief was funded by a grant from the California Endowment.
