Skipping breakfast provides negative outcomes among adolescents, especially in the Philippines.
In the Philippines, the data reveals a dual burden: under-nutrition, with 20.7 percent of adolescents stunted, and over-nutrition (obesity/overweight) at 18.3 percent.
In her presentation during the ‘Optimizing Nutrition Across Life Stages’ held at the Philippine Women’s University, Dr. Dianne Mendoza-Sarmiento, an assistant professor at the University of Santo Tomas, emphasized that adolescence is more than a simple transition; it is the ‘second window of opportunity’ for optimal developmental health. ‘It’s a time of rapid, profound change, yet it is also a stage characterized by a ‘hidden crisis’ of inadequate nutrition, according to the National Institutes of Health posted in a statement on their website.
Furthermore, the Lancet Commission on adolescent health and well-being has aptly described adolescent nutrition as a ‘hidden crisis.’
Improving overall diet quality
Sarmiento said studies have shown that regular breakfast consumption improves overall diet quality, modulates metabolic responses, and enhances cognitive functions like memory and attention, leading to better academic performance.
Psychologically speaking, Mendoza said adolescence is a period of burgeoning independence, particularly in food choices, coupled with strong peer influence and developing decision-making skills. Towards late adolescence, she said young people’s values take control of their dietary habits, often setting patterns that persist into adulthood.
Unfortunately, she pointed out this newfound independence, combined with unlimited access to social media and experimenting with risky behaviors like alcohol consumption, can negatively affect their health.
Inadequate intake
This vulnerability is compounded by the findings of the 2020 National Nutrition Survey, which reported that a majority of adolescents have inadequate intake of essential micronutrients like iron, iodine, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
Alarmingly, the Global School-based Student Health Survey reported that 37 percent of Filipino school adolescents skip breakfast, and this habit is linked to poorer diets, including low vegetable and fruit intake and high consumption of soft drinks and fast food.
Mendoza said prioritizing adolescent nutrition is not just about addressing immediate concerns; it’s about investing in lifelong health. She added adequate intake of essential nutrients and the establishment of good dietary practices, such as consuming a healthy breakfast and incorporating nutrient-rich foods like milk, seafood, fish, fruits, and vegetables, are crucial. These choices support not only optimal physical growth and brain development but also lay the foundation for a life free of chronic diseases.
‘Adolescence is a critical window; recognizing its unique nutritional needs is the first step toward securing a healthier future for all Filipinos,’ she explained.