CDC releases youth risk dietary behavior report from 2013-2023

CDC releases youth risk dietary behavior report from 2013-2023 | Image Credit: © Kalana - © Kalana - stock.adobe.com.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released its latest findings in the "Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report for Dietary, Physical Activity, and Sleep Behaviors: 2013–2023." This comprehensive report sheds light on the dietary habits of high school students across the United States, revealing concerning trends that could have long-term implications for adolescent health.

Over the past decade, the data indicates a significant decline in healthy dietary behaviors among high school students. The report highlights a decrease in the percentage of students consuming fruits, vegetables, and breakfast daily.

Specifically, the percentage of students eating fruits daily has shown a slight increase from 2021 to 2023, but overall, the long-term trend from 2013 to 2023 indicates a decline in healthy eating habits. In 2023, only about 1 in 5 female students reported eating breakfast daily, and just over half of the students consumed fruits and vegetables daily.

The report emphasizes that a balanced diet not only contributes to physical health but also plays a vital role in cognitive function and academic performance.

The survey data, collected biennially from a nationally representative sample of U.S. high school students, reveals that only about 20% of female students were physically active for at least 60 minutes daily, and only about 25% attended physical education classes daily. These figures are concerning, especially when considering the link between physical activity and healthy eating.

In addition to fruit and vegetable intake, the report also addresses breakfast consumption, which is critical for kickstarting metabolism and enhancing concentration throughout the school day. The percentage of students who eat breakfast daily has also declined, raising concerns about the potential impact on academic performance and overall health.

Overall, the CDC noted that daily fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as daily breakfast, were trending in the wrong direction, detailed with a red mark, from 2013-2023.

In 2023, less than a third of high school students did not drink soda and less than half of students did not drink sports drinks. In the same year, 54$ of high schoolers drank plain water at least 3 times per day, with male students being more likely to do so.

In 2023, 31% of high school students did not drink soda during the past 7 days.

The findings from the CDC report underscore the importance of implementing effective strategies to improve dietary behaviors among adolescents. Schools play a pivotal role in this effort, as they can provide access to healthy meals and nutrition education. The report advocates for policies that promote healthy school meals and encourage students to make better food choices.

Looking ahead, the CDC emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts among educators, parents, and community organizations to foster an environment that supports healthy eating.

Reference:

Youth risk behavior survey data summary & trends report for dietary, physical activity, and sleep behaviors: 2013-2023. CDC. January 14, 2025. Accessed January 14, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs/dstr/pdf/DSTR-Dietary-PhysicalActivity-SleepBehavior2013-2023-508.pdf?ACSTrackingID=DM143930&ACSTrackingLabel=New%20CDC%20Report%20on%20Student%20Dietary%2C%20Physical%20Activity%2C%20and%20Sleep%20Behaviors%20Released!%20-%20Healthy%20Schools&deliveryName=DM143930