Nutritional quality of diets poorest among young people in Japan, survey finds

A recent survey conducted by researchers at the University of Tokyo has revealed that young people in Japan, particularly those aged 16-23, have the poorest diet quality compared to other age groups. The study, which involved over 4,000 participants aged 1-79 across 32 prefectures from 2016 to 2020, aimed to assess dietary habits and their impact on overall health.

The research team, including project professor Hitomi Okubo, employed two food balance indexes to evaluate the diets. The first index, which focused on food types such as vegetables, fruits, and dairy products, was found to be lowest for men around 23 and women around 16. The second index, assessing nutrient types like vitamins and protein, also showed the lowest quality among individuals aged 24.

Interestingly, among those aged 1-17, diet quality was typically better in households with higher income levels or parents with higher education. Similarly, among adult respondents, the same trend was observed. The study also noted that skipping breakfast and smoking cigarettes were associated with poor diet quality.

Researchers suggest that the decline in diet quality among young people could be linked to changes in living conditions due to school enrollment and employment. Okubo emphasized the importance of providing educational opportunities for healthy food selection at schools and workplaces, as well as creating affordable options for nutritiously balanced foods at convenience stores and restaurants.