Dietary Habits of School going Children in Lahore, Pakistan

Background: Diet and nutrition plays a vital part in a child's life and has lifelong impact on the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of the children. Most of the eating habits and food preferences are acquired very early in the childhood. School atmosphere and the peer pressure has a significant impact upon these likings and disliking's. This study was carried out in Lahore, Pakistan. Method: Qualitative diet survey was carried out and an oral questionnaire method was utilized. The data included demographics, educational status of both the parents and the food preferences of various dietary groups. Data was analyzed with SPSS 24. Results: 32% of the students preferred pizza whereas only 6% of the students chose traditional food like Daal. Conversely 62% of the students picked milk as a non-preferred food item. Chicken was the most liked meat while fish was the least preferred choice in this category. Conclusions: There is a need to teach healthy nutrition from an early age via mass educational campaign. Parents and teachers need to be involved because if the current trend continues then significant morbidity and mortality effects on health of our future generations will ensue.