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Research conducted at the Azuero Professional and Technical Institute (IPTA) in the province of Los Santos, Panama, analyzes the eating habits of seventh-grade students and their relationship to physical, mental, and emotional health. This study arose from concerns about the rise in childhood obesity, which is linked to chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes and hypertension in adulthood (Macías et al., 2012). The main objective was to identify eating patterns and their impact on students' health. A survey was administered to 50 randomly selected students, using open-ended questions about their eating habits. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Excel. The results revealed that fruit and vegetable consumption is insufficient: 34% consume only one serving of vegetables per day and 40% consume one piece of fruit per day. Furthermore, consumption of processed foods and sugary beverages is high, reflecting a lack of knowledge about healthy nutrition. This issue is aligned with previous studies conducted in Europe and Latin America, highlighting the negative impact of poor eating habits on overall health. The findings can be applied to design educational programs at the IPTA that promote healthy eating among students and their families. In conclusion, poor eating habits highlight the urgent need for educational interventions to prevent chronic diseases and improve students' physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Este obra está bajo una licencia de Creative Commons Reconocimiento-NoComercial-CompartirIgual 4.0 Internacional.
