Even in seemingly prosperous counties resembling Surrey, teenagers are unable to entry wholesome existence because of poverty, geographical inequalities, discrimination and psychological well being challenges, based on a brand new examine from the College of Surrey. The analysis, revealed within the journal Vitamins, seemed into the experiences of youth staff and captured the voices of younger folks, discovering that, whereas youngsters perceive the significance of fine meals and train, they face a day by day wrestle towards elements typically past their management.
The examine, which was funded by Surrey County Council, concerned 27 members, aged 12 to 16, who reported how poverty impacted their entry to sport and wholesome diets. For instance, members famous how wholesome meals in faculties is usually too costly and subsequently cheaper, much less nutritious choices develop into extra interesting. Plus, the price of sports activities golf equipment, tools, and even attending to actions additionally places a big pressure on households’ capability to guide more healthy lives.
Teenagers in much less prosperous areas felt stark variations in entry to sports activities services and protected out of doors areas, relying on the place they lived in Surrey. These in much less prosperous areas reported run-down or non-existent services and feeling unsafe open air, limiting their alternatives to be lively.
Alarmingly, sexism continues to be a barrier for teen ladies desirous to take part in sports activities. The members reported feeling unwelcome, being ridiculed for his or her look or labelled negatively for taking part in sports activities historically seen as “for boys”.
Professor Jane Ogden, Professor of Well being Psychology on the College of Surrey, mentioned:
“We won’t merely inform youngsters to “eat higher and train extra” – there are vital, structural points that should be addressed at each a group and societal degree. By spotlighting these boundaries, we will begin making a fairer and extra supportive surroundings that can assist younger folks in Surrey entry more healthy decisions and have a possibility to thrive.”
Unsurprisingly, for a lot of younger folks, the strain of college, social media, and bullying takes a toll on their psychological well being, making it tougher to give attention to wholesome consuming and exercising.
The examine additionally concerned 35 grownup members working in both training or youth work, who reported a scarcity of coaching and clear referral pathways for weight administration and specialist assist.
This analysis highlights systemic points past particular person decisions and provides insights into the structural boundaries limiting younger folks’s wholesome decisions throughout the nation. It is essential to recognise that even seemingly affluent counties resembling Surrey face these challenges. Addressing these points by means of public well being methods regionally and nationwide, might in the end result in a more healthy future for all younger folks, no matter their postcode or socioeconomic background.”
Dr. Helen Lambert, Senior Lecturer in Public Well being Vitamin
Dr. Negin Sarafraz-Shekary, Head of Surrey Well being Determinants Analysis Collaboration, Public Well being, Surrey County Council, added:
“The precious findings from this analysis present essential insights into the challenges confronted by 13- to 17-year-olds in Surrey on the subject of wholesome consuming. It highlights the significance of taking a holistic strategy to wholesome consuming habits and balanced diet. As a county council we’re dedicated to addressing these points by means of our entire system meals technique motion plan. By means of the Surrey Meals Partnership we’re working with companions to implement evidence-based interventions that assist our younger folks to be wholesome and thrive.”
Supply:
Journal reference:
Lambert, H., et al. (2025). Understanding Obstacles to Well being Behaviours in 13–17-Yr-Olds: A Entire Techniques Method within the Context of Weight problems. Vitamins. doi.org/10.3390/nu17081312.
