2025, Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental period mark0065d by increased autonomy in dietary and lifestyle choices, which significantly influence physical health, cognitive performance, and long-term disease risk. Despite increasing global concern over adolescent obesity and poor nutrition, comprehensive evidence summarizing the association between dietary/lifestyle behaviors and health outcomes remains limited.

Objectives: This meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between dietary patterns, lifestyle factors (screen time, physical activity, sleep), and health-related outcomes (obesity, academic performance) among adolescents aged 10-19 years across different geographical regions.

Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Six eligible cross-sectional studies, comprising a total sample of 31,670 adolescents from China, Greece, India, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, were included. Data were extracted and pooled using a random-effects model due to significant heterogeneity. The Der Simonian and Laird method was used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs), and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.

Result: The pooled analysis showed that adolescents with unhealthy dietary behaviors—such as high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, low consumption of fruits and vegetables, irregular meal patterns, and high screen time—had significantly increased odds of being overweight or obese (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.05-1.43, p<0.01). Academic performance was positively associated with adherence to healthier diets, such as the Mediterranean or prudent pattern, and negatively associated with Western or energy-dense dietary patterns. The overall heterogeneity was moderate (I² = 48%), supporting the use of a random-effects model. Bias was minimal across studies, but limitations included self-reported measures and inconsistent confounder adjustment.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis underscores the significant impact of dietary and lifestyle factors on adolescent health outcomes. Interventions aimed at promoting balanced nutrition, reducing sedentary time, and encouraging regular meal consumption are urgently needed in schools and communities. Longitudinal research is warranted to establish causality and inform culturally tailored public health strategies.