Skipping Breakfast, Missing Health: What Nepal’s Adolescents Are Really Eating

Written by Anusha Bastola, Bachelor in Pharmacy | MA in Food and Nutrition
“More than 70% of adolescents skip breakfast—and many exceed their daily calorie needs, yet remain undernourished.” This paradoxical trend highlights the complex, often contradictory landscape of adolescent nutrition in Nepal.
In Nepal, adolescence marks a pivotal stage of physical and mental development. Yet this period is increasingly threatened by poor food habits shaped by urbanization, media influence, and shifting cultural norms. In Kathmandu alone, where traditional meals once formed the staple of youth diets, fast food, sugary snacks, and meal-skipping behaviors are on the rise. The implications for long-term health are significant—ranging from undernutrition to obesity, and even future risk of chronic illnesses.
This article is based on a recent cross-sectional study conducted among 131 adolescents in Kathmandu. The study aimed to assess food consumption patterns and nutritional status in youth aged 10 to 18, exploring the factors influencing their choices. The results, while localized, echo a broader concern across low- and middle-income countries: how modern influences are reshaping traditional diets and the future health of a generation.
II. Key Findings
- The Nutritional Spectrum: Underweight to Obese
The BMI results from the study paint a concerning picture: although a slight majority (51.9%) had normal weight, 28.2% were underweight, and almost 1 in 5 adolescents were overweight or obese. Notably, these imbalances occurred despite over 58% of respondents consuming more calories than the recommended daily allowance (RDA). This points not just to quantity of food, but the quality and nutritional value of what is consumed. Adolescents may be consuming energy-dense but nutrient-poor food—such as fried snacks, sugary drinks, and processed meals—leading to ‘hidden hunger’ where caloric intake is high but essential micronutrients are lacking.
- Breakfast is Skipped, Not Optional
The most skipped meal was breakfast, with 73.3% of adolescents reporting that they missed it regularly. Skipping breakfast is associated globally with poor academic performance, irritability, fatigue, and even weight gain over time. In Nepal’s context, early school hours, lack of parental supervision, and limited food preparation time in the morning contribute to this habit. Adolescents also reported not feeling hungry or intentionally skipping meals to lose weight. These patterns may suggest early signs of disordered eating behaviors that should be addressed through awareness and counseling.
- Taste Reigns Supreme in Food Decisions
A staggering 95.4% of respondents indicated that taste influenced their eating decisions the most, surpassing family, culture, and even health knowledge. This finding suggests that health interventions must take taste into account—promoting healthy food that’s also enjoyable. While taste alone was not statistically linked to BMI, it does help explain the high preference for fast food and snacks. Global food marketing often emphasizes taste as a key selling point, and this aligns with the adolescents’ responses.
- Physical Activity Makes a Difference
The study found a significant positive association between regular physical activity and healthy BMI. 85.5% of adolescents engaged in some form of physical activity such as walking or playing sports. This is promising, but the quality, frequency, and intensity of that activity remain unmeasured. Further research can identify which activities yield the best outcomes and how school schedules or urban infrastructure support or hinder active lifestyles.
- Media, Religion, and Peers: Little Measured Impact
While peer influence, religion, and media are often assumed to shape food choices, the study found no strong statistical associations between these factors and nutritional status. This might reflect a growing independence among adolescents in urban Nepal, where personal preferences like taste and convenience override traditional expectations. However, the influence of media and advertising may be more subtle and long-term than what short-term surveys can detect.
III. Implications
Public Health Impacts
The dual burden of malnutrition is becoming more visible in Nepal: underweight and overweight adolescents co-exist in the same classrooms. Underweight teens are at risk for stunted growth, weakened immunity, and poor academic performance, while overweight adolescents face increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, and mental health issues such as low self-esteem and depression. Early interventions can prevent lifelong complications and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
Economic Consequences
Malnourished adolescents often grow into adults with reduced earning potential and higher medical expenses. At a national scale, poor adolescent nutrition can affect workforce productivity and economic growth. For Nepal, which is striving for economic development and youth empowerment, ignoring adolescent nutrition could slow progress and increase dependence on healthcare resources later.
Social and Cultural Dimensions
Nepal is experiencing a shift from traditional communal meals to more individualistic and fast-paced eating behaviors. The rise in fast food consumption indicates cultural adaptation to global trends, often at the cost of nutrition. Additionally, gender-based dynamics were observed—boys reported more peer influence, while girls cited family influence and concerns about weight. These nuanced cultural shifts suggest that nutrition campaigns should be tailored to reflect the lived realities of modern Nepali adolescents.
IV. Solutions
Evidence-Based Recommendations
- Schools should introduce regular nutrition education classes that address real-life scenarios—like how to build a healthy lunchbox or read food labels.
2. Reinstating breakfast programs, especially in schools with early start times, can ensure students begin the day with adequate energy.
3. Incorporate structured physical education, not just optional sports days. Encourage walking or cycling to school where feasible.
4. Include parents in nutrition workshops to reinforce learning at home.
5. Monitor and regulate food vendors around schools to reduce exposure to unhealthy options.
Case Studies from Similar Contexts
Brazil’s School Feeding Program mandates local produce and provides one or two nutritious meals per school day, improving attendance and health. India’s Mid-Day Meal Scheme significantly boosted student retention and reduced malnutrition. Bangladesh has piloted peer-led ‘nutrition clubs’ where adolescents promote healthy habits. Nepal could adopt hybrid models combining these strategies in ways that respect local context and infrastructure.
Call to Action
Policymakers, educators, and parents must treat adolescent nutrition as a priority—not just a background issue. Integrated approaches involving the school curriculum, family culture, urban planning, and food regulation can create an environment where healthy choices are easy and appealing. Nepal’s future depends on how it invests in its youth today.
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