Eating Habits Of Polish Children

Abstract

Introduction: Unhealthy eating habits in childhood, usually based on a Western diet, can lead to overweight and obesity. They are also an important factor in the increased risk of developing many diet-related diseases later in life. Early identification of school aged children with poor eating habits can help reduce the risk of obesity and the development of chronic diseases in adulthood. The aim of the present study was to analyze selected dietary habits of school-aged children and adolescents.Material and Methods: The study involved data collected from 2,986 children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 attending se lected schools in Poland as part of the e-PE program. Results: In the study group, 76% of children and adolescents reported consuming 3-4 meals per day. A little over 11% restricted themselves to fewer meals, while the remainder adopted a pattern of 5 or more meals. Irregular eating patterns were reported by 40.7% of respondents. Conclusions: In view of the more frequent occurrence of nutritional abnormalities in children and adolescents, and thus a greater risk for the emergence of numerous consequences in later years of life, it is necessary to systematically monitor diet as a risk factor for the development of overweight and obesity to implement interventions to counteract weight gain at an early stage of adverse changes.