Class Divide In Teenage Diet
Health researchers at the University of Hertfordshire are carrying out essential studies to help fight teenage obesity.
By better understanding young people’s attitudes to health and their eating habits, our research teams are identifying the role social class plays in diet to assist policy-makers in developing healthy-living initiatives for families from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Original diet analysis
Qualitative research by our Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care (CRIPACC) group has shed light on the growing problem of obesity in teenagers.
Parents’ and Teenagers’ Conceptions of Diet, Weight and Health: Does Class Matter?, which was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, is the first study of its kind.
It reveals the ideals and beliefs of both family life and parenting by looking at:
- diet
- weight
- and health
This information has been gathered from both teenagers and parents, and then compared against an earlier study of working-class families.
Dr Wendy Wills, who led the research, says: ‘Middle-class parents are concerned that if their children were to be overweight they would not only have poor health in later life, but that it would affect their self-esteem and ability to take part in life’s opportunities.
‘In contrast, working-class parents are more concerned with the here and now. Simply ‘getting by’ has to take priority over diet and weight. Although they may want to improve their children’s diet and lifestyle, these parents may lack the knowledge, social opportunities and money to make the necessary changes.’
Impact of research
Trends in teenage obesity point to a widening class divide, with rates among working-class families likely to rise more sharply than those in middle-class families.
Our team’s research is now helping to shape social health policies.
NHS Health Scotland has used the study in implementing healthy weight initiatives for children, and the Department of Health has drawn on the project’s research to develop its Healthy Living social marketing programme.
‘We will only turn the tide on teenage obesity for good if everyone - government, families and the food industry - plays their part,’ says Dr Wills. ‘We must try and make it easier for all families, but particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to make informed, healthier choices about food, and to have more opportunities to take part in sport and exercise.’
