Teenagers in the West Midlands have diets that are ‘unhealthy and unsustainable’, a new study suggests.
Experts found that 9 in 10 adolescents in the West Midlands were not eating enough veg.
Seven in 10 teenagers did not even consume the recommended 100g of fruit a day (equivalent to one apple).
Researchers conducted a survey of 942 pupils at schools in the West Midlands, pupils were asked about their dietary intake the day before.
Registered Nutritionist Catherine Jeans DipION mBANT CNHC was not surprised by the findings, “we have known for some time that so many children and young people are not eating enough fruit and vegetables, especially vegetables” she said.
Adding;
“Healthy eating is so important from a young age, as the essential vitamins, minerals and macronutrients in our food help to support healthy growth, brain health and prevention of future disease”.
It comes as researchers from the University of East Anglia found that children who eat more fruit and veg have better mental health.
The study – the first of it’s kind, studied data from almost 9,000 children in 50 schools.
They found that the types of breakfast and lunch eaten by both primary and secondary school pupils were significantly associated with wellbeing.
Dr Richard Hayhoe, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said:
“We found that eating well was associated with better mental wellbeing in children. And that among secondary school children in particular, there was a really strong link between eating a nutritious diet, packed with fruit and vegetables, and having better mental wellbeing.”
He added;
“According to our data, in a class of 30 secondary school pupils, around 21 will have consumed a conventional-type breakfast, and at least four will have had nothing to eat or drink before starting classes in the morning.
