Changes in diets of adolescents and young adults

Vegetarian Journal, Jan-Feb, 2003 by Reed Mangels

Two recent studies have focused on the eating habits of American adolescents and young adults. This is partially because of the rapid increase in obesity in these age groups. Young adults especially are establishing dietary patterns, independent of their parents, that may persist for the rest of their adult years. The first study examined young adults' snacking habits. Snacks provide a higher percentage of total calories than they have in the past, partly because the snacks today are higher in calories and partly because snacking is more frequent. Snacks providing the highest percentage of calories include desserts, soft drinks, and beer. The calories coming from high-fat, salty snacks have doubled between 1977-78 and 1994-96.

The second study surveyed where adolescents and young adults get their food and the types of food they commonly eat. For both adolescents and young adults, between 1977-78 and 1994-96 (the most recent years for which data are available), there has been a marked increase in the use of salty snacks, candy, soft drinks, fruit drinks, alcohol, French fries, cheeseburgers, pizza, and Mexican food. Fewer calories come from meals and snacks eaten at home, and more come from meals and snacks eaten at restaurants and fast food places.

The authors of the first study recommend making changes in the types and amounts of foods chosen as snacks by young adults. The authors of the second study recommend improving the quality of food eaten away from home and educating young adults and adolescents about healthful food choices when eating out. Another option seems to be to educate consumers about quick and easy food choices at home that are lower in fat, calories, and sodium and higher in fiber and vitamins and minerals than foods commonly chosen when eating out.

Nielsen SJ, Siega-Riz AM, Popkin BM. 2002. Trends in food location and sources among adolescents and young adults. Prev Med 35:107-113.

Zizza C, Siega-Riz AM, Popkin BM. 2001. Significant increase in young adults' snacking between 1977-1978 and 1994-1996 represents a cause for concern. Prev Med 32:303-310.