Exploring food security and dietary habits in adolescents

Food insecurity (FI) is a significant issue across the UK, with many families struggling to access nutritious food. FI can have long-term consequences, including increased risk of metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity, poorer school performance, worse dental health, and poorer outcomes in adulthood. These outcomes are not only detrimental to the individual but also place additional strain on already stretched health and social services.

In Bradford, a large proportion of children grow up in low-income households where food insecurity is common. This has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including higher BMI in some ethnic groups and an increased risk of poor mental health. Moreover, Bradford is home to a diverse population, while previous research suggests some ethnic differences in how FI is experienced.

Much of the previous FI research in Bradford and elsewhere focuses on younger children. Exploration of the adolescent FI experience represents a valuable contribution to this area, particularly when we consider adolescents’ growing autonomy, along with previous research suggesting that parents may sometimes shield children from FI. Adolescence is also a critical period of rapid physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development, all of which may be impacted by food insecurity status.

This project will explore patterns of food insecurity for adolescents using data collected from approximately 9500 students at 26 schools in the Born in Bradford Age of Wonder study. We will also consider how food insecurity varies across sociodemographic indicators, including SES. Importantly, we are interested in understanding whether FI is linked to adolescents’ food habits such as breakfast intake, consumption of fruits and vegetables, and the intake of sugary drinks, energy drinks, and fast food.