ANN ARBOR, Mich. – As teenagers gain more independence in their food choices, many parents find it challenging to discuss nutrition, an issue that becomes particularly pressing during the holiday season when festivities often revolve around meals. According to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, while parents acknowledge concerns about their teens’ eating habits, few offer concrete strategies to help them make healthier choices during holiday gatherings.
The poll reveals that one in three parents find it difficult to talk with their teen about food and weight, with this figure rising to more than half among parents who perceive their teen as overweight. “Weight can be a sensitive topic with young people,” said Susan Woolford, M.D., co-director of the Mott Poll and a pediatrician at Mott. “But parents play an important role in offering guidance and watching for problematic eating behaviors. The holiday season is a key opportunity for supportive, nonjudgmental conversations.”
Teen Eating Patterns and Parental Concerns
The nationally representative report, which includes responses from 970 parents of teens aged 13-17 surveyed in August, suggests that only half of parents report their teens eat three meals a day. Parents’ perceptions of their teens’ weight vary, with most believing their child is the right weight, one in seven describing their teen as underweight, and one in five saying their teen is overweight.
The poll highlights eating patterns that may signal challenges in maintaining a healthy diet. Just under a third of parents say their teen eats out of boredom or engages in mindless eating. Another 11% report their teen eats even after they’re full, and 10% say their teen eats because they’re stressed. These behaviors are more frequently reported among parents who describe their teen as overweight.
Nearly a third of parents also say their teen has no typical eating pattern, while 13% report that their teen snacks throughout the day and 9% say their teen regularly skips breakfast.
Barriers to Healthy Eating Habits
A significant barrier to healthy eating habits is the reality of teens’ busy schedules, Woolford notes. Between school, extracurricular activities, work, and social commitments, many teens “squeeze in” meals whenever possible. “When teens are rushing between activities, they tend to grab whatever is quick and available,” she said. “Often that means processed snacks or fast food that are higher in calories and lower in nutritional value.”
Woolford recommends that parents assist by stocking healthy, convenient ‘grab-and-go’ options and involving teens in choosing items and reading nutrition labels. Despite concerns about eating habits, relatively few parents polled offer specific strategies to help teens navigate large holiday meals.
Parental Strategies and Teen Self-Image
Among the suggestions parents offer to their teens: eat something healthy ahead of time to avoid overeating (8%), decide in advance what to eat or avoid (5%), choose low-calorie foods (2%), increase exercise to “burn off” calories (10%), and diet or fast the next day (1%). More commonly, parents give general direction such as “eat in moderation” (33%) or “eat whatever you want” (38%).
“Even small, practical tips like having a healthy snack beforehand can help teens feel more in control at big meals,” Woolford said. The poll also reveals troubling signs of negative self-image: 14% of parents have heard their teen say they feel “too fat,” 11% say their teen talks about needing to diet or fast after a big meal, and 8% say their teen wants to hide their body with baggy clothes. These concerns are far more common among parents who describe their teen as overweight.
The Importance of Open Conversations
Parents may fear that discussing weight or eating habits could harm teens’ self-esteem, Woolford says. However, avoiding the conversation can also allow unhealthy patterns to continue. “If parents notice a teen expressing repeated negative thoughts about their body or showing unhealthy eating patterns, it’s a good time to reach out to the teen’s healthcare provider,” she said. “These conversations don’t have to be about appearance. They can focus on energy, strength, and overall well-being.”
As the holiday season approaches, the findings of this poll underscore the importance of open, supportive dialogue between parents and teens regarding nutrition and body image. By fostering an environment of understanding and guidance, parents can help their teens develop healthier eating habits that last well beyond the holiday season.
