Researchers from the UK recently conducted a systematic review that identified effective tactics for promoting healthy eating and physical activity among adolescents, offering new insights into how to reverse declining health behaviours in this age group.
The study, published in Health Psychology Review, examined a range of interventions aimed at improving physical activity and dietary habits in young people aged 10–19. Despite the well-known benefits of regular physical activity and a balanced diet, many adolescents fail to meet the recommended guidelines, raising concerns about their future health prospects. The review’s findings could play a crucial role in shaping future public health strategies.
According to the research team, which included academics from the University of Hertfordshire, University of Bedfordshire, and University College London, adolescence is a critical period for establishing lifelong healthy behaviours. Yet, the transition from childhood to adulthood often sees a sharp decline in physical activity levels and a deterioration in diet quality. Only 43% of UK adolescents meet the daily recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, with even fewer adhering to guidelines for healthy eating, such as consuming five portions of fruits and vegetables each day.
The review evaluated interventions that have been tested in various settings, including schools, communities, and online platforms. A key finding was that interventions showing the most promise were those that not only initiated behavioural change but also maintained it over a period of at least six months. This emphasis on long-term success is critical, as sustained behavioural change is necessary to reap the full health benefits as adolescents grow into adulthood.
For physical activity, the review found that interventions which provided practical social support and detailed information about the health consequences of inactivity were the most effective. These strategies were associated with both immediate behaviour changes and the maintenance of those changes over time. For example, programmes that included elements like goal-setting, problem-solving, and self-monitoring were shown to be particularly effective in encouraging ongoing participation in physical activities.
In terms of healthy eating, the review identified several behaviour change techniques that were linked to successful outcomes. Interventions that included instruction on how to perform healthy behaviours, coupled with practical activities such as cooking classes, were more likely to lead to significant improvements in diet quality. Moreover, involving family members in these interventions often enhanced their effectiveness, suggesting that a supportive home environment plays a critical role in fostering and maintaining healthy eating habits.
The study also explored the training of professionals who deliver these interventions. It found that those who received comprehensive training, including workshops and ongoing support, were more effective in engaging adolescents and promoting sustained behaviour change. However, the review highlighted a need for further research in this area, particularly to determine the best practices for training and to assess the long-term impact of such training on the success of interventions.
While the findings are encouraging, the review also pointed to gaps in the current research landscape. The authors noted that many studies still do not fully report on the fidelity of intervention delivery – that is, whether the interventions were implemented as intended. This lack of detail makes it challenging to identify which components of an intervention are most critical for success.
