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Understanding the Gap Between Nutritional Knowledge and Dietary Behavior Among Adolescents with Different BMI
Agata Wawrzyniak1, Iwona Traczyk2
1Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW-WULS), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland.
Nutrients
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Adolescent nutrition knowledge (NRK) and practice (NRP) differ by BMI. Excess weight students show lower NRK and NRP, indicating a need for practical skills beyond theoretical knowledge in nutrition education.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Discrepancy between nutrition knowledge and practice is a concern in adolescent health.
- Understanding factors influencing this gap is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gap between nutrition-related knowledge (NRK) and nutrition-related practice (NRP) in Polish school-aged students.
- To analyze this discrepancy based on Body Mass Index (BMI) status.
- To identify factors associated with the NRK-NRP gap.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 1440 Polish students aged 10-18 years.
- Utilized the CAWI method with a custom-designed questionnaire.
- Assessed NRK and NRP aligned with the Polish Healthy Eating Pyramid for Children and Adolescents.
Main Results:
- Students with excess weight had significantly lower NRK (46%) and NRP (30%) compared to normal/underweight peers (NRK: 52-53%, NRP: 33-34%).
- Higher NRK correlated with older age, female sex, urban residence, and higher maternal education (varying by BMI status).
- Better NRP linked to higher NRK, physical activity, and rural/small-town living, which also positively associated with normal BMI.
Conclusions:
- Nutrition knowledge alone is insufficient for appropriate dietary behaviors in adolescents.
- Lifestyle factors, practical skills, self-assessment, and environmental context are critical for shaping dietary practices.
- Targeted nutrition education programs should focus on enhancing both knowledge and practical skills.
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