Perceptions and Practices of Food Habits among Secondary School Students in Lakhimpur-Kheri District of Uttar Pradesh

The present study analyses the perceptions and behavioural practices related to food habits of students studying in secondary schools of Lakhimpur-Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. Eating habits developed during adolescence affect physical, mental and social health. In this research, questionnaires have been used to collect data from secondary school students of private and government schools. This research evaluated students' food preferences, junk food consumption, nutritional knowledge, and their attitudes toward healthy eating. Research results showed that many children understand the importance of food well, but in reality, unbalanced diet and junk food consumption was found to be very high among children. Gender, socio-economic status and family environment were found to have a significant influence on eating habits. This study suggests that school-based nutrition education and awareness programs can develop healthy eating habits among students. We are making a small attempt to conduct such a study in Lakhimpur Kheri district. Our study included 60 students, of whom 30 were boys (50.0%) and 30 were girls (50.0%). Data was collected using a questionnaire. The aim of this study is to determine the level of awareness among secondary school students regarding food habits and junk food.