What influences teenagers eating habits?

Answer 1

Three possible reasons: their parents did not provide good examples and/or did not know how to teach good habits to their children; lack of money to buy good food; and rebellion against their parents. The vast majority of obese people come from lower income levels for the first two reasons.

Also, we are equipped by nature with a desire for carbohydrates and fats, as these are the foods that provide immediate and stored energy when food is scarce. In our society food is not that scarce, and those desires can lead us badly astray.

ducklover132's answer: I do not like the food the school provides for us. First off, it isn't very tasty. Also, half the food is under-cooked or over-cooked, not ripe yet, or expired. There are some exceptions that most kids enjoy, like Asian Rice Bowl, Pizza, and Cinnamon French Toast; but are these things really healthy? I have also noticed that most kids will get water, milk, or juice, the entrée, a bag of chips, and also a couple servings of fruits and vegetables, but end up throwing away everything but the chips and half their drink. To me, it feels like kids are getting into bad habits.

I will admit that I have gotten into some bad habits along with other kids. Most of the time, I get a V8, the entrée, a granola bar, and usually applesauce. I drink most of my juice, nibble at the entrée depending on whether or not I like it, eat the whole granola bar, but leave the applesauce untouched. In my head, when I go up and get my fruit, I think: "Why not get fruit? It comes with my entrée, but that doesn't mean I have to eat it." A lot of people, including me, are eating mostly junk food at school, and wasting perfectly fine food that someone else who actually likes the food will eat.

Answer 2

The eating habits teenagers acquired as children is the first influence they have. Today the media and society puts a great amount of pressure on looks which also influences eating habits.

Answer 3

Media, family friends.