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Nutrients
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Lifestyle Factors, Nutrition and Mental Health in Adolescents
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Lifestyle Factors, Nutrition and Mental Health in Adolescents

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 November 2025 | Viewed by 9816

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ming Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
Interests: diet; lifestyle; environment; adolescent heatlh
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Adolescence is a transition phase of life from childhood to adulthood, characterized by rapid physical, cognitive and psychosocial growth.

During childhood and adolescence, the lifestyle behaviors, social and emotional habits that are developed and adopted tend to persistent into adulthood and have a profound impact on short- and long-term health and well-being.

Individual behaviors and habits are not only shaped by an individual's values, knowledge and norms, but also the multidementional environment, including family, school, community and national policies.

The past decades have witnessed remarkable social and economic development in the world that bring about changes in the individual lifestyle, health and well-being profile of adolescents, for example, the increased prevalence of unhealthy diet and physical inactivity in addition to the epidemic of overweight/obesity, depression and other mental health risks.

The aim of the Special Issue is to provide a forum for researchers, health workers, education sectors and stakeholders to present and share the results, comments and suggestions in this field. Any works on the relationship of lifestyle behaviors, nutrition status and mental health are welcomed.

Dr. Ming Li
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • adolescent
  • diet
  • physical activity
  • addiction
  • overweight and obesity
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • suicide
  • environment
  • school
  • family
  • relationship
  • interaction

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 826 KiB  
Article
The Mediating Role of Work–Life Balance Between Perceived Partner Support and Satisfaction with Food-Related Life in Dual-Earning Parents and Their Adolescents
by Berta Schnettler, Andrés Concha-Salgado, Klaus G. Grunert, Ligia Orellana, Mahia Saracostti, Katherine Beroiza, Héctor Poblete, Germán Lobos, Cristian Adasme-Berríos, María Lapo, Leonor Riquelme-Segura, José A. Sepúlveda, Karol Reutter and Enid Thomas
Nutrients 2025, 17(6), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17061018 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 536
Abstract
Background: Partner support and work–life balance (WLB) are important for families’ well-being. Previous research has linked perceived family support, WLB, and satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL); however, there is limited information regarding each parent’s support from their partner. Drawing on the conservation of [...] Read more.
Background: Partner support and work–life balance (WLB) are important for families’ well-being. Previous research has linked perceived family support, WLB, and satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL); however, there is limited information regarding each parent’s support from their partner. Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, the work–home resources, and the actor–partner interdependence model (APIM), this study examined the direct and indirect effects of parents’ perceived partner support, WLB, and the SWFoL of dual-income parents and their adolescents, considering the moderating role of parents’ gender-transcendent attitudes. Methods: A total of 516 dual-earning parents with one adolescent child were recruited in Chile using non-probability sampling. The parents completed scales measuring perceived partner support, WLB, and gender role attitudes. The three family members responded to the Satisfaction with Food-Related Life scale. The data were analyzed using the mediation APIM, structural equation modeling, and multi-group analysis. Results: The model fit was robust (RMSEA = 0.016; SRMR = 0.052; CFI = 0.982; TLI = 0.978). The findings showed that the mothers’ SWFoL was indirectly and positively affected by their and the fathers’ perceived partner support through both parents’ WLB. The fathers’ SWFoL was directly and positively affected by their perceived partner support and indirectly via their WLB. The adolescents’ SWFoL was directly and positively affected by the mothers’ perceived partner support and indirectly by the fathers’ perceived partner support through the fathers’ WLB. In families where the fathers exhibited low gender-transcendent attitudes, the relationship between the mothers’ perceived partner support and WLB was stronger. Conclusions: Thus, it can be concluded that the mediating role of work–life balance is significant, as it facilitates the transmission of resources within and between individuals to enhance parents’ and adolescents’ SWFoL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle Factors, Nutrition and Mental Health in Adolescents)
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21 pages, 3672 KiB  
Article
Clustering Patterns of Unhealthy Lifestyle Behaviours Among Adolescents: A Multilevel Analysis of a Nationally Representative School-Based Survey from 73 Countries
by Yohannes Tekalegn Efa, David Roder, Zumin Shi and Ming Li
Nutrients 2025, 17(4), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17040609 - 7 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1070
Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a crucial stage when young people adopt various lifestyle behaviours that can impact their health. However, the broader determinants of these behaviours remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate clustering patterns of lifestyle behaviours, including physical activity, sedentary behaviour, [...] Read more.
Background: Adolescence is a crucial stage when young people adopt various lifestyle behaviours that can impact their health. However, the broader determinants of these behaviours remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate clustering patterns of lifestyle behaviours, including physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and dietary habits, among adolescents and examine their determinants across individual, community, and societal levels. Methods: This study utilised nationally representative Global School-based Student Health Survey data. The lifestyle behaviours were dichotomised based on specific definitions, and the clustering patterns of multiple unhealthy behaviours were compared at various levels of factors. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was employed to identify individual, community, and societal level determinants of multiple unhealthy behaviours. Results: The study included 293,770 adolescents from 73 countries and territories across five World Health Organization (WHO) regions. The overall prevalence of one, two, three, four, and five unhealthy behaviours was 6.9%, 29.9%, 36.5%, 21.5%, and 4.5%, respectively. The odds of multiple unhealthy behaviours (defined by ≥4) increase with age and are higher among female adolescents [(AOR: 1.06, 95% CI:1.05, 1.07); (AOR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.19)], respectively. Adolescents from supportive families, peer environments, or food-secure households had lower odds of engaging in these behaviours [(AOR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.86); (AOR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94, 0.98); (AOR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.87, 0.95)], respectively. The odds of exhibiting multiple unhealthy behaviours were significantly higher among adolescents in countries with high (0.7–0.79) and very high (0.8–1.0) Human Development Indexes (HDI) compared to those in low (<0.55) HDI countries [(AOR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.94); (AOR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.48, 6.08)], respectively. Conclusion: The study findings reveal that multiple unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, including insufficient physical activity, sedentary behaviour, inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption, frequent soft drink intake, and fast-food consumption, are globally prevalent among adolescents. These behaviours have distinct clustering patterns associated with individual characteristics, family and peer environments, and broader socio-economic and societal contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle Factors, Nutrition and Mental Health in Adolescents)
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23 pages, 307 KiB  
Article
Adolescent Health in Lebanon: Exploring Alcohol Use, Dietary Patterns, Mental Health, Physical Activity, and Smoking Using the Global School-Based Student Health Survey Approach
by Maha Hoteit, Souheil Hallit, Hanaa Al Rawas, Jana Amasha, Fadia Kobeissi, Rafik Fayyad, Yonna Sacre and Nikolaos Tzenios
Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3590; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213590 - 22 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1867
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period for establishing lifelong health behaviors; yet in Lebanon, limited data exist on the prevalence of risk factors among this demographic. Objective: This study aims to assess alcohol consumption, dietary habits, physical activity, mental health, and smoking behaviors among [...] Read more.
Adolescence is a critical period for establishing lifelong health behaviors; yet in Lebanon, limited data exist on the prevalence of risk factors among this demographic. Objective: This study aims to assess alcohol consumption, dietary habits, physical activity, mental health, and smoking behaviors among Lebanese adolescents aged 13–17 years, with a focus on gender and school-type differences. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in Lebanon between March and July 2022 using the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) questionnaire. A representative sample of students from public and private schools participated in the survey, with key variables analyzed to identify significant patterns and disparities. Results: Our findings reveal that 6.3% of adolescents consumed alcohol, with males reporting a higher prevalence and earlier initiation (p = 0.003). Gender differences were evident in dietary habits, where males were more likely to consume sugary drinks (p = 0.04) and have consistent breakfast habits (p = 0.003). Adolescents from private schools exhibited distinct dietary behaviors, including lower milk consumption (p < 0.001) and higher fatty food intake (p = 0.008). Males were also more physically active and reported better mental health outcomes compared to females (p = 0.004). Smoking behaviors showed that males smoked more frequently, while private school students reported smoking less. No significant difference was observed in bullying experiences between genders or school types. Conclusions: The study highlights critical health behaviors among Lebanese adolescents, with significant variations by gender and school type. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the identified risk factors and promote healthier behaviors in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle Factors, Nutrition and Mental Health in Adolescents)
13 pages, 759 KiB  
Article
Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa in Spanish Middle-Aged Adults: Links to Sociodemographic Factors, Diet, and Lifestyle
by Elena Sandri, Eva Cantín Larumbe, Germán Cerdá Olmedo, Gaia Luciani, Stefano Mancin, Marco Sguanci and Michela Piredda
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2671; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162671 - 13 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2156
Abstract
Aim: This study examines the prevalence of eating disorders, particularly anorexia and bulimia nervosa, among middle-aged Spaniards, noting their rising incidence in men as well as women. It explores how these disorders relate to sociodemographic factors and lifestyle habits. Methods: A cross-sectional survey [...] Read more.
Aim: This study examines the prevalence of eating disorders, particularly anorexia and bulimia nervosa, among middle-aged Spaniards, noting their rising incidence in men as well as women. It explores how these disorders relate to sociodemographic factors and lifestyle habits. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 2020 to November 2021 via online platforms. Participants were Spanish nationals aged 31–50 years residing in Spain. Results: Out of 9913 respondents, 96.66% reported no diagnosed eating disorders, while 3.34% reported one or more (0.36% anorexia nervosa; 0.53% bulimia nervosa; 1.97% other eating disorders; 0.48% multiple disorders). Concerns about body image and lack of control over food intake were reported by 50% and 28%, respectively, suggesting potential undiagnosed disorders. Significant BMI differences were noted between healthy individuals and those with anorexia or bulimia. Conclusions: Anorexia and bulimia affect both adolescents and middle-aged individuals, challenging existing stereotypes. The high prevalence of undiagnosed eating disorder behaviors highlights the need for early detection. To address these issues in Spain, targeted awareness programs are essential to reduce stigma and improve service access through clinical, social, and political collaboration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle Factors, Nutrition and Mental Health in Adolescents)
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17 pages, 1224 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Parental Food Education on Children’s Food Literacy: The Mediating Role of Parent–Child Relationship and Learning Motivation
by Xing Xu, Huizi Cai, Jieying Zhang and Tiansheng Xia
Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2564; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152564 - 4 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3370
Abstract
Parental food education has been recognized among the important factors influencing children’s food literacy; however, the intrinsic mechanisms through which this influence occurs are unclear. In this study, a mediation model was constructed to explore this issue, using the parent–child relationship and learning [...] Read more.
Parental food education has been recognized among the important factors influencing children’s food literacy; however, the intrinsic mechanisms through which this influence occurs are unclear. In this study, a mediation model was constructed to explore this issue, using the parent–child relationship and learning motivation as mediating variables. In total, 204 children, aged 9–14 years old, responded to questionnaires on parental food education, children’s food literacy, the parent–child relationship, and learning motivation, which were used to measure the variables of interest. The results showed that parental food education was significantly and positively related to the parent–child relationship, learning motivation, and children’s food literacy; the parent–child relationship was significantly and positively related to learning motivation; and learning motivation was significantly and positively related to children’s food literacy. Parental food education influenced children’s food literacy in the following two main ways: the mediating role of learning motivation and the chain-mediating roles of the parent–child relationship and learning motivation. In addition, we attempt to explore the moderating role of the teaching stage between parental food education and the parent–child relationship, learning motivation, and children’s food literacy. In this paper, we discuss possible guidelines for family food education and children’s health based on the findings of the current study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle Factors, Nutrition and Mental Health in Adolescents)
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