Researchers in Poland studied what 12-16 year old students eat to understand their nutrition and health. They looked at eating habits like fast food, snacks, and healthy foods, and compared these habits between boys and girls with different body weights. The study found some surprising patterns: overweight teens were actually eating more whole grain bread and less junk food, suggesting they might be trying to eat better. However, underweight girls were eating more fast food than other groups. The biggest takeaway? Snacking habits matter a lot for teen health, and eating patterns are different depending on whether someone is underweight, normal weight, or overweight.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: What foods teenagers eat every day, including fast food and snacks, and how their eating habits connect to their body weight and health
  • Who participated: Secondary school students aged 12-16 years old from Kraków and the Myślenice district in Poland, studied between 2016-2017. The study included both boys and girls with different body weights
  • Key finding: Overweight and obese teens ate more whole grain bread and less sugary foods and fast food than expected, while underweight girls ate more fast food than other groups. Snacking habits showed big differences between boys and girls
  • What it means for you: Teen eating habits are complex and may reflect conscious choices about health. If you’re a teenager, paying attention to snacking and choosing whole grains when possible may support better nutrition. Parents should know that body weight alone doesn’t tell the whole story about eating habits

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers took a snapshot of teenagers’ eating habits at one point in time rather than following them over months or years. Researchers asked students to fill out a detailed food questionnaire (FFQ) that asked about their typical eating patterns. They also measured each student’s height, weight, body fat percentage, and waist and hip measurements. Students were then grouped into three categories based on their BMI (body mass index): underweight, normal weight, or overweight/obese. The researchers compared eating patterns between boys and girls and between the different weight groups to see if there were any patterns or differences.

The study took place in two locations in Poland: Kraków (a large city) and the Myślenice district (a smaller area). This allowed researchers to see if eating habits were different in urban versus more rural areas. All students and their parents gave permission before participating, which is an important ethical requirement for research involving young people.

The food questionnaire used in this study was validated, meaning it had been tested before and shown to be reliable for measuring what people eat. This makes the results more trustworthy than if they had used an untested method.

This research approach is important because it captures real-world eating habits of teenagers during a critical time of growth and development. By measuring both what they eat and their body measurements, researchers could look for connections between eating patterns and health outcomes. Understanding these patterns helps public health officials and schools create better nutrition programs for young people

Strengths: The study used a validated questionnaire, measured multiple aspects of body composition (not just weight), and included a reasonably large sample of students. It was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts reviewed the work. Limitations: The study was conducted in Poland in 2016-2017, so findings may not apply to other countries or current times. The study design is cross-sectional, so it shows patterns but cannot prove that one eating habit causes another. The exact sample size wasn’t clearly reported in the abstract, which makes it harder to assess how reliable the results are

What the Results Show

The study found clear differences in eating habits between boys and girls. Boys and girls ate fast food and snacks at different rates, with some groups eating much more than others. Interestingly, overweight and obese teenagers ate more whole grain bread (a healthier choice) compared to other groups, and they ate less fast food and sugary foods than might be expected. This suggests that some overweight teens may already be making conscious efforts to improve their diet.

In contrast, underweight girls showed a concerning pattern: they ate more fast food than girls in other weight categories. This was unexpected and suggests that low body weight doesn’t always mean someone is eating healthily. A person can be thin but still eat mostly junk food, which lacks important nutrients their body needs.

Snacking habits showed significant differences between boys and girls, indicating that gender plays a role in what and how much teenagers snack. The frequency and types of snacks consumed varied considerably across the different body weight groups.

The study revealed that eating habits are complex and don’t follow simple patterns. Just because someone is overweight doesn’t mean they eat only junk food, and being underweight doesn’t guarantee healthy eating. Body measurements like waist and hip circumference provided additional information beyond just weight and BMI. The study also highlighted that location (urban Kraków versus the Myślenice district) may influence eating patterns, though specific differences weren’t detailed in the abstract

This research fits with growing evidence that adolescent nutrition is a public health concern in Europe. Previous studies have shown that fast food consumption is rising among teenagers, but this study adds nuance by showing that the relationship between body weight and eating habits isn’t straightforward. The finding that some overweight teens are eating more whole grains aligns with recent research suggesting that health consciousness is increasing among young people, even if overall obesity rates remain high

The study was conducted in 2016-2017, so eating habits may have changed since then, especially with increased social media influence on food choices. The research was limited to Poland, so results may not apply to teenagers in other countries with different food cultures and availability. The study design is cross-sectional, meaning it shows what people eat at one point in time but cannot prove that eating habits cause weight changes or health problems. The abstract doesn’t specify the exact number of students studied, making it difficult to assess how confident we should be in the findings. The study relied on students’ self-reported eating habits through questionnaires, which may not be completely accurate since people sometimes forget what they ate or underestimate portion sizes

The Bottom Line

Moderate confidence: Teenagers and their families should pay special attention to snacking habits, as this study suggests snacks play an important role in overall nutrition. Encourage choosing whole grain breads and foods over fast food when possible. Parents should monitor their teen’s eating patterns regardless of their current weight, since body weight alone doesn’t indicate healthy eating. Schools should consider nutrition education programs that address both healthy eating and snacking habits. Low confidence: This single study doesn’t provide enough evidence to make specific dietary recommendations, but it supports general public health guidance about reducing fast food and sugary snacks

This research is most relevant to: teenagers aged 12-16 and their parents, school administrators and nutrition programs, public health officials in Poland and similar European countries, and educators creating health curricula. The findings may be less directly applicable to teenagers in other countries with different food cultures, or to younger children or adults. People with eating disorders should discuss these findings with their healthcare provider rather than self-applying the results

Changes in eating habits typically take 2-4 weeks to become noticeable in how you feel (more energy, better focus). Visible changes in body composition may take 8-12 weeks of consistent healthy eating. Long-term health benefits from improved nutrition develop over months and years

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track snacking frequency and types for one week: Record each snack eaten, the time, and whether it was planned or impulse eating. Note the type (whole grain, sugary, salty, etc.). This creates awareness of snacking patterns without requiring calorie counting
  • Set a specific snacking goal: Choose one snack to swap this week (for example, replace one sugary snack with fruit or whole grain crackers). Use the app to log this swap and celebrate small wins. Gradually increase healthy snack choices over time
  • Weekly snacking review: Every Sunday, review your snacking log from the past week. Track trends like: most common snack times, favorite snacks, and progress toward your snacking goals. Use app notifications to remind yourself of snacking goals before typical snack times

This research describes eating patterns among Polish teenagers and should not be used as a substitute for personalized medical or nutritional advice. If you or a teenager in your care has concerns about weight, nutrition, or eating habits, please consult with a healthcare provider, registered dietitian, or school nurse. This study shows associations between eating habits and body weight but does not prove that one causes the other. Individual nutritional needs vary based on age, activity level, health conditions, and other factors. Always seek professional guidance before making significant dietary changes, especially for teenagers