Guidance implications related to the eating habits of adolescents

Abstract

Due to the fact that many adolescents do not follow a balanced diet, an investigation into the eating habits of adolescents was undertaken. Much research has been done on eating disorders but little research has been done on the concomitants and possible precursors to unhealthy eating habits among adolescents. A literature study was done to clarify which factors cause unhealthy eating habits. The developmental aspects of adolescence and the reciprocal effect on eating habits was also investigated. A valid and reliable measuring instrument was developed in order to measure eating habits of adolescents. This instrument was used in an empirical investigation including 340 respondents with the aim of determining the most important factors, which relate to the eating behaviour of adolescents. Educational implications of the findings are discussed in order to provide curriculum developers, teachers, parents, counsellors and the media with guidelines to help children to adopt healthy eating habits.