In 2023, reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate a concerning trend among high school students, as only about 27% consumed breakfast daily in the past week. This decline is especially pronounced among female students, with just 22% eating breakfast, compared to 32% of their male counterparts. The survey, which tracked adolescent health behaviors over a decade, reveals a broader downturn in nutritional habits.
While consumption of soda and sports drinks has slightly declined, and there’s been an increase in water intake, healthy dietary behaviors are on the decline. According to the data, the percentage of high school students eating fruit dropped from 63% to 55%, while vegetable consumption decreased from 61% to 58%. Reports show the overarching issue includes insufficient physical activity and deteriorating mental health linked to skipping breakfast.
Positive changes, as noted in the findings, include a rise in students drinking plain water three times per day, climbing from 49% to 54% since 2015. Furthermore, the number of students avoiding soda has grown—rising from 22% in 2013 to 31% a decade later. Despite these slight improvements, the overall decline in healthy eating habits raises significant concerns about student well-being.
The report underscores the importance of a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep for a healthy lifestyle. “The 10-year trends from 2013 to 2023 also show a decline in healthy dietary, physical activity, and sleep behaviors,” the survey highlights, urging a reevaluation of adolescent health strategies.
According to CDC reports, only 27% of high school students ate breakfast in 2023. Female students showed lower rates at 22%, compared to 32% of males. Over a decade, fruit and vegetable intake fell, while plain water consumption increased. With a declining trend in overall health behaviors, urgent action is needed to address students’ dietary habits and well-being.
The findings from the CDC survey reveal a troubling decrease in breakfast consumption among high school students, particularly among females. Despite some positive trends in water intake and decreased soda consumption, the significant drop in healthy eating habits calls for urgent attention to student well-being. Ensuring balanced nutrition is critical not only for physical health but also for mental well-being.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
