Nutritional Policies to Improve Child and Adolescent Health

Dear Colleagues,

A healthy dietary pattern during childhood and adolescence is the cornerstone of lifelong health and development. These formative years determine not only physical growth but also cognitive performance, emotional well-being, and the establishment of long-term healthy dietary behaviors. In recent years, however, children and adolescents face challenges related to poor dietary choices, food insecurity, and exposure to unhealthy food marketing. As governments and communities play a vital role in shaping healthy eating habits and supportive environments, effective nutritional policies, such as school-based nutrition programs, food marketing and unhealthy food availability regulations, and public education campaigns via comprehensive, age-adjusted, inclusive, and evidence-based initiatives, would enable children and adolescents to adhere to healthier dietary patterns. Regrettably, many obstacles have impeded the successful implementation of these policies, and this has led to pronounced consequences for the dietary habits of children and adolescents.

The objective of this Special Issue, therefore, is to compile the latest knowledge of all facets of this topic, highlighting the policies needed or already implemented to address the existent nutritional problems in children and adolescents. Similarly, relative reviews and meta-analysis in the field are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Antonis Zampelas
Dr. Kalliopi Karatzi
Dr. Sotiria Kotopoulou
Guest Editors

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